Battle of Actium 31 BCE
The Battle of Actium occurred during the Final War of the Roman Republic. The war occurred because Anthony had lost favor with the Roman Senate due to his relationship with Cleopatra. Some felt that he was trying to take control of Egypt while also remaining in command of the Roman legions in the East. The Alliance between Antony and Octavian faltered and Octavian took control of the Senate. Under Octavian, the Senate declared war on Cleopatra which many knew was really war against Mark Antony.
By the end of 32 BCE, Antony knew that a battle was coming. After negotiations and preparation, the two fleets met outside of the Gulf of Actium on the morning of September 2nd, 31 BCE. Antony had a fleet of 500 war galleys and towers full of armed men. Octavian had 400 warships just beyond the straits and they had blocked in Antony. It was only after suffering desertions from allies and a dwindling supply of provisions that he decided to lead his ships out of the straits and into the open ocean where Octavian and his fleet were waiting.
Antony’s ships were in the front while Cleopatra’s ships took the rear. Antony engaged Octavian’s fleet until he saw that Cleopatra was leading her ships away and out to the open sea beyond Octavian’s fleet without engaging them at all. Seeing Cleopatra lead 60 of her ships toward Egypt disheartened not only Antony but the rest of the fleet. Antony fled the battle as well and followed Cleopatra. The fleet that was left behind surrendered to Octavian. Antony’s land forces surrendered a week later.
A year later Octavian and his forces reached Alexandria. Cleopatra fled to her mausoleum for protection, while Antony believing her dead stabbed himself with a sword. After his death, Cleopatra tried to seduce Octavian and when she failed, she committed suicide rather than fall under his dominion. Octavian then killed Cleopatra’s son and annexed Egypt into the Roman Empire.