When and where did the Battle of Actium take place?
The Battle of Actium was fought on the 2nd of September 31 BC in the Ionian Sea, near the former Roman colony of Actium in Greece, at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf.
Questions about Battle of Actium
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded the fleets at the Battle of Actium?
Octavian's fleet was led by Marcus Agrippa, commanding from the left wing, with Lucius Arruntius at the centre and Marcus Lurius on the right. Mark Antony and Lucius Gellius Poplicola commanded the right wing of the opposing fleet, Gaius Sosius the left, and Cleopatra's squadron held the rear.
How many ships did each side have at the Battle of Actium?
Octavian's fleet numbered around 400 ships, while Antony arrived with roughly 500 but could crew only about 140 effectively due to disease and desertion. Octavian's forces also fielded 80,000 infantry against Antony's 70,000.
Why did Cleopatra's fleet retreat during the Battle of Actium?
Cleopatra's squadron, positioned in the rear, turned and sailed for the open sea during the afternoon engagement when a favorable breeze arose. Antony, not seeing the signal and believing all was lost, followed with a small escort, abandoning the rest of his fleet.
What happened to Mark Antony and Cleopatra after the Battle of Actium?
Octavian defeated their remaining forces in Alexandria. Antony stabbed himself on the 31st of July 30 BC after falsely believing Cleopatra had died, and he died in her arms. Cleopatra killed herself on the 12th of August 30 BC.
What city did Octavian found to commemorate the Battle of Actium?
Octavian founded Nicopolis, meaning "City of Victory," in 29 BC on the southernmost promontory of Epirus opposite Actium. He also built the Campsite Memorial on a nearby hill, displaying the bronze rostra taken from captured enemy warships, and the Actian dekanaia at the cape, composed of ten captured warships.