Actium 31 BC Downfall of Antony and Cleopatra

by Sheppard, Si; Hook, Christa

• ISBN13: 9781846034053
• ISBN10: 1846034051
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-06-23
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing

Summary

In 32 BC, the Roman Republic descended into Civil War between the forces of the Octavian in the west and the famous lovers Cleopatra and Marc Antony in the East. Acting quickly, Octavian managed to trap his foes in the Gulf of Actium. In the ensuing battle, Anthony and Cleopatra manage to escape, but their military forces and their hopes for victory in the war were crushed. Soon afterward, the lovers committed suicide, and Octavian dissolved the republic and declared himself Emperor. Actium has remained one of the most famous battles of the ancient world thanks to Shakespeare and Hollywood. This new book tells the true story of the decisive and bloody battle that would once and for all seal the fate of the Roman Republic.

Author Biography

Si Sheppard graduated this year with a Ph.D. in political science from Johns Hopkins University. He currently teaches American Government at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York. This is his second Osprey title in a projected trilogy detailing the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 5
The situation in the west
The first clash between Octavian and Sextus
The second clash between Octavian and Sextus
Octavian consolidates the west
Events in the east
Antony's Parthian campaign
The end of the Triumvirate
Chronology	p. 35
Opposing Commanders	p. 37
Opposing Armies	p. 43
Logistics and tactics
Missile weapons
Ramming and boarding
The Approach to Actium	p. 54
Confrontation in Greece
The Battle of Actium	p. 61
The fleets embark
Battle is joined
The breakout
Antony's defeat
The Aftermath	p. 86
The fall of Egypt
From republic to empire
Visiting the Sites Today	p. 93
Bibliography	p. 94
Index	p. 95
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