Member-only story

Actium Wake Res Gestae: Uncovering the Lost History of the Greatest Naval Battle of Antiquity

Pete Blair

·6.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Actium S Wake (Res Gestae 1)

5 min read

1.2k View Claps

86 Respond

Save

Listen

The Battle of Actium: A Pivotal Turning Point in Roman History

A Depiction Of The Battle Of Actium, With Octavian's Forces On The Left And Antony's On The Right. Actium S Wake (Res Gestae 1)

The Battle of Actium, fought in 31 BCE on the Ionian Sea off the coast of Greece, stands as one of the most consequential naval battles in history. It marked the culmination of a bitter civil war between Octavian, the future first emperor of Rome, and Mark Antony, one of Julius Caesar's most trusted lieutenants.

Actium's Wake (Res Gestae Book 1)

by Ralph Jackman

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	700 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	251 pages

After Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE, Octavian, Antony, and Marcus Lepidus formed a triumvirate, ruling the Roman Republic as a three-man dictatorship. However, tensions soon emerged between Octavian and Antony, who became increasingly entangled in a love affair with Cleopatra VII of Egypt.

By 31 BCE, the rift between Octavian and Antony had become irreparable. Octavian declared war on Cleopatra, and Antony responded by bringing the combined forces of Egypt and the East against Octavian's legions.

The Battle: A Clash of Naval Might

The Battle of Actium was fought on September 2, 31 BCE. Octavian's fleet, commanded by Agrippa, consisted of 400 warships, with 20,000 legionaries and thousands of sailors. Antony's fleet, commanded by Antony and Cleopatra, fielded 230 warships, with approximately 20,000 legionaries and sailors.

The battle began with an exchange of missile fire, but it quickly became clear that Octavian's superior naval tactics and discipline would prevail. Agrippa's ships used grappling hooks to seize Antony's vessels, overwhelming them with superior numbers and firepower.

As the battle raged, Cleopatra, seeing that the fight was lost, fled the battlefield with her Egyptian fleet. Antony followed in her wake, abandoning his own troops to a desperate struggle.

Aftermath: The Birth of the Roman Empire

The Battle of Actium ended with a decisive victory for Octavian. Antony and Cleopatra fled to Egypt, where they were eventually killed by Octavian's forces. With his rivals defeated, Octavian became the undisputed ruler of Rome.

Octavian's victory marked the beginning of the Roman Empire. He adopted the title Augustus, becoming the first Roman emperor. The Roman Republic, which had existed for centuries, was replaced by a new era of imperial rule.

The Actium Wake Res Gestae: A Lost Treasure of Roman History

A Page From The Actium Wake Res Gestae, With A Depiction Of Augustus And His Victory Over Antony And Cleopatra. Actium S Wake (Res Gestae 1)

In the aftermath of the Battle of Actium, Octavian commissioned a monument known as the Actium Wake Res Gestae to commemorate his victory. This monumental inscription recorded the events leading up to the battle, the battle itself, and its aftermath.

The Actium Wake Res Gestae was originally located at the site of the battle, but it was later moved to Rome and placed in the Forum Augustum. The monument consisted of a series of bronze plaques, inscribed with text in Latin.

Unfortunately, the Actium Wake Res Gestae was lost during the Middle Ages. Only fragments of the inscription have survived, preserved in various museums and collections. However, these fragments provide tantalizing glimpses into this lost masterpiece of Roman propaganda.

Recreating the Actium Wake Res Gestae

In recent years, scholars have made significant progress in reconstructing the Actium Wake Res Gestae. By combining the surviving fragments with other historical sources, they have been able to piece together the main narrative of the inscription.

The reconstructed Actium Wake Res Gestae reveals a detailed account of the events leading up to the Battle of Actium, the battle itself, and its aftermath. Octavian's victory is presented as a triumph of righteousness over tyranny, with Antony and Cleopatra depicted as enemies of the Roman people.

Historical Significance of the Actium Wake Res Gestae

The Actium Wake Res Gestae is an invaluable source of information for understanding the Battle of Actium and its aftermath. It provides unique insights into Octavian's propaganda and self-presentation.

The inscription also sheds light on the political and social changes that occurred during the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. Octavian's victory at Actium paved the way for the establishment of a new imperial order.

The Actium Wake Res Gestae is a lost treasure of Roman history. Through the efforts of scholars, fragments of this important inscription have been reconstructed, providing valuable insights into the Battle of Actium and its aftermath. The Actium Wake Res Gestae stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Octavian and the birth of the Roman Empire.

Actium's Wake (Res Gestae Book 1)

by Ralph Jackman

4 out of 5