Which of the following sentence best describes how Augustus Caesar took the reins of power in Rome? The emperor was killed in a coup led by Augustus. As the Roman Republic grew and found itself in the midst of a civil war, the Senate recognized the need for authoritarian leadership and chose Augustus to be the first dictator. Augusts led the Roman troops to victory after victory thus proving himself a capable leader In the midst of the Punic wars, Augustus offered the Senate best alternative to a failing Roman Republic