43 BC facts for kids

Year 43 BC was an important year in ancient Roman history. During this time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Pansa and Hirtius. A consulship was when two top officials, called consuls, led the Roman Republic for a year. The year 43 BC was part of the Julian calendar, which was the calendar used by the Romans.

Major Events of 43 BC

Roman Politics and Power

Brutus and Antony's Conflict

In 43 BC, Marcus Junius Brutus, a Roman senator, fought against Gaius Antonius. Brutus won this battle near a city called Dyrrachium. This was part of the ongoing struggles for power after the death of Julius Caesar.

Antony Declared an Enemy

The Roman Senate, which was the main governing body of the Roman Republic, made a big decision. They declared Mark Antony (often just called Antony) an "enemy of the state." This meant he was considered a danger to Rome.

Sextus Pompey's Naval Power

Sextus Pompey, who was the son of the famous general Pompey the Great, became the supreme commander of the Roman navy. Controlling the navy gave him a lot of power over the seas around Rome.

The Second Triumvirate

A Powerful Alliance Forms

One of the most important events of 43 BC was the formation of the Second Triumvirate. This was a special agreement between three powerful Roman leaders:

• Gaius Octavian (who later became Emperor Augustus)
• Mark Antony
• Lepidus

They met in a place called Bononia (modern-day Bologna, Italy). There, they made an official pact to rule Rome together for five years.

What Was the Triumvirate?

A "triumvirate" means "rule by three men." This alliance was formed to bring order back to Rome after a period of civil wars. The three leaders divided control of the Roman Republic among themselves. They worked together to defeat their enemies and strengthen their power.

Founding of Lugdunum

In 43 BC, the city of Lugdunum was founded. Today, this city is known as Lyon in France. It became an important city in the Roman Empire.

Famous Births

for more information, see Category:43 BC births.

• Publius Ovidius Naso (Ovid), a very famous Roman poet. He wrote many well-known poems, including the Metamorphoses. (died 17 or 18 AD)
• Princess Iotapa of Media. She was a princess from a kingdom in ancient Persia.

Notable Deaths

for more information, see Category:43 BC deaths.

• Porcia Catonis, the wife of Marcus Junius Brutus. (born 70 BC)
• Cicero, a brilliant Roman politician, lawyer, and author. He was famous for his speeches. (born 106 BC)
• Atia Balba Caesonia, the niece of Julius Caesar and the mother of Augustus. (born 85 BC)
• Decimus Brutus, a Roman statesman. (born around 85 BC)
• Publius Cornelius Dolabella, a Roman consul. (born 70 BC)
• Hirtius, a Roman statesman and one of the consuls of 43 BC. (born around 90 BC)
• Quintus Tullius Cicero, the brother of the famous Cicero. (born 102 BC)
• Pansa, a Roman statesman and one of the consuls of 43 BC.
• Trebonius, one of the people involved in the assassination of Julius Caesar. (born around 92 BC)
• Verres, a Roman official known for being corrupt. (born around 120 BC)
• Antipater the Idumaean, an important figure in the region of Judea.

Images for kids

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  A friendly robot.