The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium

The Battle of Actium in 31 BC was a pivotal conflict in Roman history, resulting in the victory of Octavian over Antony and Cleopatra and the future of the Roman Empire. This "splendid" (The Wall Street Journal) account by Barry Strauss describes the battle with drama and expertise, highlighting its consequences for the empire.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Following the assassination of Julius Caesar and the defeat of the conspirators by Mark Antony, two powerful men remained in Rome: Antony and Caesar's chosen heir, young Octavian, who would later become Augustus. When Antony fell in love with Egypt's ruler Cleopatra and thwarted Octavian's ambition to rule the empire, another civil war broke out. In 31 BC, one of the largest naval battles in ancient history took place: the Battle of Actium. More than 600 ships, nearly 200,000 men, and one woman, Cleopatra, participated in the battle. Octavian emerged victorious over Antony and Cleopatra, who subsequently killed themselves.

The Battle of Actium had significant consequences for the empire. If Antony and Cleopatra had won, the empire's capital might have moved from Rome to Alexandria, Cleopatra's capital, and Latin might have become the empire's second language after Greek, which was spoken throughout the eastern Mediterranean, including Egypt.

In this "superbly recounted" (The National Review) history, ancient history authority Barry Strauss describes this consequential battle with the drama and expertise that it deserves. The War That Made the Roman Empire is essential history that features three of the greatest figures of the ancient world.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781982116682