On This Day

31 BC Battle of Actium: Decisive naval battle that effectively ends the Roman Republic. Octavian's forces defeat those u

31 BC Battle of Actium: Decisive naval battle that effectively ends the Roman Republic. Octavian's forces defeat those under Mark Antony and Cleopatra off the western coast of Greece.

The Roman Republic was the era of classical Roman civilisation beginning with the overthrow of the Roman Kingdom (traditionally dated to 509 BC) and ending in 27 BC with the establishment of the Roman Empire following the War of Actium. During this period, Rome's control expanded from the city's immediate surroundings to hegemony over the entire Mediterranean world.

Roman society at the time was primarily a cultural mix of Latin and Etruscan societies, as well as of Sabine, Oscan, and Greek cultural elements, which is especially visible in the ancient Roman religion and its pantheon. Its political organisation developed at around the same time as direct democracy in ancient Greece, with collective and annual magistracies, overseen by a senate.

Historical Significance

The Roman Republic was the era of classical Roman civilisation beginning with the overthrow of the Roman Kingdom (traditionally dated to 509 BC) and ending in 27 BC with the establishment of the Roman Empire following the War of Actium.

Key People

Horace

Roman lyric poet

Roman lyric poet

Augustus Caesar

Roman emperor from 27 BC to AD 14

Roman emperor from 27 BC to AD 14

Mark Antony

Roman politician and general

Roman politician and general

Cleopatra

Queen of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC

Queen of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC

Events Before

  1. 27 BC The title Augustus is bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus by the Roman Senate

    Augustus, also known as Octavian (Latin: Octavianus), was the founder of the Roman Empire and the first Roman emperor from 27 BC until his death in AD 14.

  2. 28 Roman General Gaius Carrinas' triumphant procession through Rome, awarded for fighting in Gaul

    28 Roman General Gaius Carrinas' triumphant procession through Rome, awarded for fighting in Gaul

  3. 30 Scholars estimate for the crucifixion of Jesus by Roman troops in Jerusalem [or April 3]

    The siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE was the decisive event of the First Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire (66–73 CE).

  4. 30 BC Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony achieves a minor victory over Octavian, but most of his army subsequently desert

    30 BC Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony achieves a minor victory over Octavian, but most of his army subsequently deserts, leading to Octavian's invasion of Egypt

Events After

  1. 38 BC Roman Republican Leader Octavian, later Augustus 1st Roman Emperor, weds Livia Drusilla

    38 BC Roman Republican Leader Octavian, later Augustus 1st Roman Emperor, weds Livia Drusilla

  2. 41 Claudius succeeds his nephew Caligula as Roman Emperor after the latter's assassination by officers of the Praetorian

    41 Claudius succeeds his nephew Caligula as Roman Emperor after the latter's assassination by officers of the Praetorian Guard

More from the 30s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on September 2, 31?
The Roman Republic was the era of classical Roman civilisation beginning with the overthrow of the Roman Kingdom (traditionally dated to 509 BC) and ending in 27 BC with the establishment of the Roman Empire following the War of Actium. During this period, Rome's control expanded from the city's immediate surroundings to hegemony over the entire Mediterranean world. Roman society at the time was primarily a cultural mix of Latin and Etruscan societies, as well as of Sabine, Oscan, and Greek cultural elements, which is especially visible in the ancient Roman religion and its pantheon.
Why is 31 BC Battle of Actium: Decisive naval battle that effectively ends the Roman... significant?
The Roman Republic was the era of classical Roman civilisation beginning with the overthrow of the Roman Kingdom (traditionally dated to 509 BC) and ending in 27 BC with the establishment of the Roman Empire following the War of Actium.
Who was involved in 31 BC Battle of Actium: Decisive naval battle that effectively ends the Roman...?
Key figures include Horace (Roman lyric poet), Augustus Caesar (Roman emperor from 27 BC to AD 14), Mark Antony (Roman politician and general), Cleopatra (Queen of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC).

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