Timeline: Ancient Rome Battle of Actium Timeline

44 BCE

Second Triumvirate

Formed as the Second Triumvirate, three political members called Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (Lepidus) were together. When Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE, the three joined to revenge on the assassin. Yet, they had conflicts that rose with their beliefs, soon turning against each other. For 10 years, they were enemies.

Period: 41 BCE to 31 BCE

Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII of Egypt

An alliance was formed between Antony and Cleopatra VII of Egypt.

31 BCE

Agrippa's Isolation

In early 31BCE, Antony and Cleopatra moved to Greece. While they were wintering, Agrippa, Octavian's general excellent at warfare, isolated the both. Agrippa managed to grasp some resources, crews, and ships. Antony and Cleopatra escaped from the isolation, however Octavian got in charge of the east.

31 BCE

The Battle of Actium (prt 1.)

From Agrippa's isolation, Antony and Cleopatra were stuck, Agrippa with control over the sea and Octavian over the land. On the 2nd of September, in an attempt to escape and break the line formed by Agrippa, Antony moved the fleet to the Ionian Sea. At noon, a strong wind blew and he launched ships at Agrippa. In turn, part of Agrippa's crew, Liburnians, dodged Antony's ancient war ships, his quinqueremes. Using the harpax, Agrippa sank 15 of Antony's ships.

31 BCE

Battle of Actium (prt 2.)

Antony's flagship was struck in the battle, resulting in fierce hand-to-hand fighting breaking out. Antony's quinqueremes were rammed into by Agrippa's ships, getting neutralised or sunken. Three of Antony's squadrons abandoned the battle, a following of two more surrendering. Antony signalled to Cleopatra to go with Antonia and war chests, aiming for the open sea. Understanding this, Cleopatra headed out. Escaping to another ship, Antony sailed after Cleopatra with 40 other ships.

31 BCE

Morning after the Battle

Agrippa's fleet stayed up all night, guarding the leftover men from Antony's side of the battle. In the morning, the surrender of the remaining ships were accepted, Agrippa bringing them in as new crew.

30 BCE

Two Deaths

Octavian refuses to negotiate with Cleopatra and Antony after the battle. Reportedly, Cleopatra suicides. Antony stabbed himself, but, before becoming deceased, Cleopatra turned out to live. Yet, on the 30th of August, Cleopatra committed suicide, choosing death rather than having Octavian take her to Rome.

27 BCE