Lecture Notes on Roman History (40 BCE - 27 BCE)

Early Events (40 BCE)

Parthian Invasion: Parthians invade Syria and Eastern provinces of Rome.
Mark Antony's Civil War: Unable to respond immediately due to involvement in a civil war.
- Sides with wife against Octavian.
- Reconciles with Octavian, marries Octavian's sister, Octavia.
Empire Division:
- Antony in control of the East.
- Octavian in control of the West.
- Lepidus given southern provinces.

Invasion Planning:
- Antony plans invasion of Parthia to reclaim territory and avenge Crassus’ death in 53 BCE.
- Draws inspiration from Alexander the Great to conquer Persia.
- Short on troops from Octavian, requests Egyptian troops from Cleopatra.
Failed Invasion of Parthia (36 BCE):
- Supply lines attacked by Parthians; strategy fails.
- Armenian King betrays Antony, resulting in retreat.
- Lepidus ousted from power after Sicily conflict with Octavian.

33 BCE Victory:
- Antony takes revenge on Armenian King, celebrates in Alexandria.
- Romans offended by his celebration in Alexandria, dislike Cleopatra.
Donation of Alexandria:
- Antony declares Cleopatra’s son, Caesarion, as Julius Caesar’s rightful heir.
- Octavian opposes, claiming himself as Julius Caesar’s adopted son and rightful heir.

Public Accusations: Antony and Octavian question each other’s legitimacy.
Naval Battle of Actium (31 BCE):
- Antony and Cleopatra surrounded by Octavian’s forces.
- Escape with minimal forces; seen as end of Antony’s power.

Retreat to Alexandria: Antony and Cleopatra plot against Octavian.
Octavian's Attack: Confrontation in Alexandria.
- Antony’s soldiers demoralized.
- Antony commits suicide; Cleopatra follows suit shortly after.
- Octavian eliminates Caesarion.

Octavian's Consolidation of Power:
- Returns to Rome, strengthens control.
- 27 BCE marked as beginning of Roman Empire.
- Octavian receives title Augustus, meaning "illustrious one."
- Begins long reign as central power in Rome.