Battle of Actium
31 BCE · Actium (western coast of Greece) · World · Ancient
Agrippa engaged with nimble warships; Cleopatra withdrew first with the Egyptian fleet, and Antony followed her in flight.
Belligerents
Augustus's side
- Commanders
- Octavian, Agrippa
- Strength
- About 400 light, fast warships
Antonian movement
- Commanders
- Antony, Cleopatra
- Strength
- About 500 heavy warships
Background
The final showdown between Caesar's heir Octavian and Antony for control of the Roman world.
Course of the battle
- BlockadeAgrippa's naval blockade weakened Antony's supplies.
- EngagementLight ships grappled with heavy ones, and the battle was deadlocked.
- FleeCleopatra's fleet broke out and fled south, and Antony abandoned the battle to follow her.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 31 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Actium (western coast of Greece) |
| Result | Agrippa engaged with nimble warships; Cleopatra withdrew first with the Egyptian fleet, and Antony followed her in flight. |
| Winner | Augustus's side |
| Casualties | Most of Antony's fleet was destroyed or surrendered, and his forces fell apart. |
| Territorial change | Antony and Cleopatra met their downfall the following year, and Egypt was annexed by Rome. |
Impact
It ended the Roman civil wars and opened the imperial age of Augustus.
See the world in 31 BCE on the map →