![]() Within a year, Antony defeated Caesar’s assassins Brutus and Cassius in the Battle of Phillipi, eliminating the two remaining leaders of the Republican cause in a battle that established his reputation as a general. Antony was driven back at Mutina and Forum Gallorum, but had proved a formidable enough leader that Octavian preferred to ally with him.Īlong with their lesser rival Lepidus, Octavian and Antony formed the Second Triumvirate, splitting Rome’s provinces between them: Octavian would rule the West, Antony the East and Lepidus Africa. Antony was reluctant to hand his old friend’s legacy to an 18-year-old, and quickly became a rival to the future emperor. In his will Caesar had bequeathed his wealth and title to his posthumously adopted son Octavian. He took charge of Caesar’s will and papers and gave a stirring eulogy for the fallen leader. Antony fled Rome dressed as a slave but soon returned to protect his friend’s legacy from the senators who had conspired against him. When Caesar assumed his fifth and final consulship in 44 B.C., Antony was his co-consul.Īs the Ides of March approached, Antony heard rumors of a plot against Caesar but was unable to warn him in time. A year later, Antony’s violent expulsion from the Senate by anti-Caesar factions gave Caesar’s legion a rallying point as they crossed the Rubicon River, igniting the Republican Civil War. he was in Greece, supporting Caesar’s left wing at the Battle of Pharsalus. ![]() Recognizing Octavian’s absolute power, the Senate appointed him Princeps, or First Citizen, and gave him the name Augustus, or Revered One.Did you know? Although Mark Antony died fighting Octavian's efforts to become Rome's sole dynastic monarch, three of the first five Roman emperors-Caligula, Claudius and Nero-were Antony’s direct descendants.ĭuring Caesar’s first yearlong dictatorship, Antony was his second-in-command. ![]() There they committed suicide, as Octavian’s armies marched on Egypt. The Roman Navy then defeated the Egyptian Navy at the Battle of Actium, but Anthony and Cleopatra managed to escape to Egypt. This led the Senate to back Octavian in declaring war against Anthony and Cleopatra. This caused a major scandal in Rome, made worse when Octavian gained a copy of Anthony’s will, where he named Rome’s eastern provinces to Cleopatra. He later divorced her in 33 BC, before marrying Cleopatra in 32 BC. Meanwhile, Mark Anthony started an affair with Cleopatra, despite having married Octavian’s sister Octavia. ![]() Lepidus’ own troops in Italy defected to Octavian, giving him the military strength to dominate Italy. Octavian first seized North Africa from Lepidus and exiled him to Sicily. Learn more about this amazing man with these 80 Julius Caesar facts.Ĭaesar’s grandnephew Octavian ultimately realized Caesar’s political ambitions. Read more about Julius Caesar’s influence on the world and his outstanding leadership style below. Even in death, Caesar made a point to make his presence felt. Further, he ruthlessly investigated and criticizing former governors involved in corruption.Ĭaesar’s work was so iconic, a comet appearing after his assassination made the Romans believe he was a deity. He was a great orator and spoke with a high-pitched voice and a commanding tone. Caesar advocated for the interests of the common people. In fact, he reportedly knew most of his men by name, a quality that won him the troops’ loyalty and admiration. Many of the men under Julius Caesar admired his leadership style. This is a man who, by the power of his will and ability, overthrew the Roman Republic and established the Roman Empire. He was one of the most promising military leaders of the ancient world, and one of the most powerful politicians of his time. Gaius Julius Caesar is one of history’s most interesting figures.
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