Sextus Pompeius and the Sicilian War (42 to 36 B.C.E.)
Historia Civilis・26 minutes read
The Battle of Philippi led to the defeat of Caesar's assassins, Octavian's rise to power, political decisions, and military conflicts culminating in the defeat of Sextus and the end of the war.
Insights
- Octavian's ruthless actions post-Battle of Philippi, including torture, executions, and confiscation of farmland, led to severe consequences for the poor, causing homelessness and starvation.
- The strategic military maneuvers and naval victories led by Octavian and Agrippa, culminating in the Battle of Naulochus, were crucial in defeating Sextus, securing Sicily, and ultimately ending the war, solidifying Octavian's power and establishing his dominance in Rome.
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What was the outcome of the Battle of Philippi?
Brutus and Cassius, Julius Caesar's assassins, were defeated.
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Summary
00:00
Fall of Brutus and Cassius, Rise of Octavian
- The Battle of Philippi resulted in the defeat of Brutus and Cassius, the last of Julius Caesar's assassins.
- Caesar's political successors, Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus, formed the Second Triumvirate.
- Octavian displayed cruelty post-Philippi, torturing prisoners and orchestrating brutal executions.
- Octavian and Antony, after Philippi, discussed political matters and the promises made to soldiers.
- Lepidus was distrusted by Octavian and Antony, leading to a decision to diminish his power.
- Octavian and Antony divided territories, with Octavian overseeing Spain and Antony the Roman east.
- Octavian returned to Rome to address financial issues, leading to the confiscation of farmland.
- The seizure of property disproportionately affected the poor, causing homelessness and starvation.
- Lucius Antonius, with the support of his brother Antony, challenged Octavian's rule, leading to a brief occupation of Rome.
- Octavian and Agrippa outmaneuvered Lucius, leading to his surrender and the burning of Perusia.
15:35
Rome's Famine and Naval Battles: A Summary
- Sextus targeted Rome's shipping lanes in the Mediterranean, worsening Italy's famine.
- Octavian married Scribonia to potentially ally with Sextus, but they divorced after an agreement with Antony.
- Rome faced severe famine, leading to civil unrest and criticism of leaders.
- Octavian, Antony, and Sextus negotiated an agreement near Misenum, allowing Sextus to govern captured territories and run for consul.
- Tiberius Claudius Nero's shifting loyalties led him through various alliances and betrayals.
- Livia, Nero's wife, survived a forest fire and later married Octavian, becoming the first Empress of Rome.
- Octavian's failed attack on Sextus led to riots in Rome, famine, and loss of wealth.
- Agrippa rebuilt Octavian's fleet at Lake Avernus, preparing for a second invasion of Sicily.
- Octavian, Agrippa, and Lepidus launched a joint attack on Sicily, facing heavy losses but gaining a foothold.
- Octavian's risky plan to break Sextus's blockade succeeded partially, with Agrippa's fleet destroyed but legions landing in Sicily.
30:40
Octavian and Agrippa's Naval Victories
- Octavian, after being dropped off in the middle of nowhere, spent half a day hiding in a cave, realizing the war was likely lost.
- Agrippa's fleet, on a suicide mission, had a successful encounter with a larger fleet, leading to a series of victories at sea.
- Octavian and Agrippa quickly organized transport ships, leading to a successful crossing to Sicily with a combined force of 23 legions.
- A decisive naval battle in September of 36 B.C.E., known as the Battle of Naulochus, resulted in Agrippa's victory over Sextus, ending the war.
- Lepidus, after a conflict with Octavian, surrendered and was harshly dealt with, losing his legions and provinces but retaining his title of Pontifex Maximus.
