The War That Made the Roman Empire

The War That Made the Roman Empire by Barry Strauss offers an enthralling and meticulously detailed account of one of the most critical yet often overlooked conflicts in ancient history. This gripping narrative delves into the riveting events that culminated in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, a decisive clash that forever altered the course of the Roman Empire.

In the aftermath of Julius Caesar's assassination, Rome stood divided. Caesar's foremost general, Mark Antony, had defeated the conspirators but found himself in conflict with Caesar's adopted heir, the young and ambitious Octavian, who would later become Emperor Augustus. As tensions escalated, Antony became romantically involved with Cleopatra, the powerful and enigmatic queen of Egypt. This union posed a significant threat to Octavian's quest to consolidate his power over Rome and sparked a brutal civil war.

The culmination of this power struggle was the monumental Battle of Actium, one of the largest naval engagements of the ancient world. With a fleet of over 600 ships and nearly 200,000 men, including the formidable Cleopatra, the battle's outcome was far from certain. However, Octavian's forces emerged victorious, leading to the dramatic suicides of Antony and Cleopatra and securing Octavian's position as the unchallenged ruler of Rome.

The victory at Actium had profound implications for the Roman Empire. Had Antony and Cleopatra triumphed, the epicentre of power could have shifted from Rome to Alexandria. The cultural and linguistic landscape of the empire might have changed drastically, positioning Greek, the lingua franca of the Eastern Mediterranean, as the dominant language over Latin.

Barry Strauss, an acclaimed authority on ancient history, brings this pivotal historical moment to life with his signature blend of scholarly acumen and narrative flair. Described as "splendid" by The Wall Street Journal and "superbly recounted" by The National Review, Strauss's work is a testament to the enduring legacy of this epic conflict.

The War That Made the Roman Empire is an indispensable read for anyone interested in ancient history. It highlights the complex interplay of ambition, power, and love among three of antiquity’s most compelling figures—Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian. With its rich detail and dramatic storytelling, this book provides a nuanced understanding of the battle that sculpted the future of the Roman world.