Battle of Actium facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Actium
Part of The Final War of the Roman Republic
The battle of Actium, by Lorenzo A. Castro, 1672.
Date 2 September 31 BC Location Ionian sea, near the Roman colony of Actium, Greece Result Decisive Octavian victory; Mark Antony lost his fleet, and his army deserted in large numbers; Octavian had uncontested control of the sea around Italy and Greece, and became "Augustus Caesar".
Belligerents
Octavian's supporters and forces	Ptolemaic Egypt, Mark Antony's supporters
Commanders and leaders
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa	Mark Antony
Strength
250 warships, mostly small liburnian vessels and Hexeres with 16,000 Legionary Marines and 3,000 archers.	230 warships, mostly quinqueremes with some larger Deceres, 30/50 Transports and 60 Egyptian warships. 2,000 Archers and 20,000 Legionary Marines.
Casualties and losses
About 2,500 killed	Over 5,000 killed; 200 ships sunk/captured

The Battle of Actium was a huge naval battle that decided the final war of the Roman Republic. It was fought between the forces of Octavian and the combined forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

The battle took place on September 2, 31 BC. It happened on the Ionian Sea near the Roman town of Actium in Greece. Octavian's fleet was led by his trusted general, Agrippa. Antony's fleet was supported by the ships of his ally, Queen Cleopatra of Egypt.

Octavian's victory helped him become the most powerful leader in Rome. He took the title of Princeps, meaning "first citizen." Because of this win, the Roman Senate gave him the special title of Augustus.

As Augustus, he pretended to bring back the old Roman Republic. However, many historians see this battle as the true end of the Roman Republic. It marked the beginning of the powerful Roman Empire.

What Was the Battle of Actium?

The Battle of Actium was a major sea fight in ancient times. It was the last big battle in a series of wars called the Final War of the Roman Republic. This war was about who would rule Rome after the death of Julius Caesar.

Who Fought in This Battle?

The main leaders were Octavian, Mark Antony, and Cleopatra.

• Octavian was Julius Caesar's adopted son. He wanted to be the sole ruler of Rome. He later became known as Augustus.
• Mark Antony was a famous Roman general and a close friend of Julius Caesar. He was one of the three rulers (a triumvir) of Rome.
• Cleopatra was the powerful Queen of Egypt. She was an ally and lover of Mark Antony. Her ships joined Antony's fleet.

Octavian's fleet was commanded by his skilled general, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. Agrippa was known for his clever naval tactics.

Where and When Did It Happen?

The battle happened on September 2, 31 BC. This was a very long time ago! It took place in the Ionian Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea. The battle was fought near a Roman town called Actium in Greece. This location was important because it was a good place for ships to gather.

How Did the Battle Unfold?

Before the battle, Octavian's army had trapped Antony and Cleopatra's forces. They were stuck in the Gulf of Actium. Antony decided to try and break free by sea.

Octavian's fleet had about 250 warships. Many of these were smaller, faster ships called liburnians. These ships were good for quick attacks. Antony and Cleopatra had about 230 warships. Their ships were often larger, like quinqueremes, but they were slower.

On the day of the battle, Antony's fleet tried to sail out of the gulf. Octavian's ships, led by Agrippa, surrounded them. The smaller, faster liburnians were able to move quickly around Antony's bigger ships.

Cleopatra's ships were positioned behind Antony's main fleet. At a key moment, Cleopatra's ships sailed away from the battle. Antony followed her, leaving his remaining fleet to fight on. Many of Antony's ships were then captured or destroyed.

What Was the Outcome?

Octavian won a decisive victory. Antony's fleet was mostly destroyed or captured. Many of his soldiers and sailors either died or joined Octavian's side.

This victory meant Octavian had full control of the seas around Italy and Greece. It greatly weakened Mark Antony's power. Antony and Cleopatra eventually lost all their support and power.

Octavian's win at Actium made him the undisputed leader of Rome. He was able to bring peace and stability after years of civil war. He later received the title of Augustus from the Roman Senate. This marked the official start of the Roman Empire, with Augustus as its first emperor.

Images for kids

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  A reconstructed statue of Augustus as a younger Octavian, dated c. 30 BC

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  A Roman bust of the consul and triumvir Mark Antony, Vatican Museums

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  Ballistae on a Roman ship

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  Plan of the battle by Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville, Paris, 1734

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  A (restructured) Roman statue of Cleopatra wearing a diadem and 'melon' hairstyle similar to coinage portraits, marble, found near the Tomba di Nerone, Rome along the Via Cassia, Museo Pio-Clementino

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Accio para niños