The Battle of Actium

Thirteen years after the assassination of Julius Caesar, the Battle of Actium put an end to a long period of internal strife in the Roman Republic. It involved some of the most famous leaders in history: Octavius, who went on to become the first Roman emperor, Mark Antony, a firm supporter of Julius Caesar, and his lover Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. The battle shaped the course of history: it marked the triumph of the West, represented by Octavius, over the East, represented by Antony and Cleopatra, and ensured Roman domination in the Mediterranean for centuries to come. In just 50 minutes, you will learn about the events leading up to this crucial episode of the Roman civil wars and understand how Octavius was able to eliminate his rivals and gain control of Rome.

This straightforward and informative book provides a thorough evaluation of the preparations and strategies of both sides and the far-reaching consequences of the battle. It also features biographies of the key commanders and leaders, a valuable introduction to the social and political context and an evaluation of the battle’s consequences in terms of the East-West conflict and the leadership of Rome, giving you all the essential information about this momentous naval battle.

About the Battle of Actium

The Battle of Actium in 31 BC pitted Octavius, the son of Julius Caesar and defender of Rome, against Mark Antony, who allied himself with Cleopatra and took Alexandria as his capital. It was a battle for the fate of Rome: Octavius’ victory saw the centralization of power and a reduction of the influence of the Senate, and represented the triumph of Rome over the wealthy Eastern territories.

This clear and accessible 42-page book is structured as follows:

• Introduction to the Battle of Actium
• Political and social context
  • An assassination with heavy consequences
  • An alliance of triumvirates against Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus
  • Mark Antony in the East
  • The Roman and the Egyptian
  • The origins of the war: the will of Mark Antony
• Commanders and leaders
  • Octavius, Roman politician
  • Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, Roman general and politician
  • Mark Antony, Roman politician
  • Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt
• Analysis of the battle
  • Mark Antony’s preparations
  • Octavius’ preparations
  • The forces present
  • A land or naval battle?
  • The clash
  • Cleopatra’s retreat
  • The flight of Mark Antony
• Impact of the Battle of Actium
  • The disappearance of Octavius’ rivals
  • Octavius, sole ruler of Rome and future emperor
• Summary