The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium

Although Actium is universally acknowledged as one the most decisive battles of world history, it was actually not until a year later with the final military defeat at Alexandria and the well-known dual suicides of Octavian’s rivals that victory was assured.So we can consider Actium partially anticlimactic.Nevertheless, this was a conflict for the ages and led to the solidification of the Mare Nostrum, the Empire and Pax Romana, the end of 300 years of Ptolemaic power and 3 millennia of Egyptian kings.Ultimately, it was a battle of who would continue the Caesarean lineage and inherit the known world - the only begotten sonor the chosen adopted son.This was also the first clear division between the East and West that would manifest continually up unto this very day.Despite the many advantages Anthony and Cleopatra had - immense treasure, naval superiority, a larger population and the prestige and cultural superiority of the East - in the end diversity was not their strength and a dual rule proved to be too disadvantageous.This is a fun read but much of it can be gathered from the only two primary sources Strauss refers to (Plutarch and Cassius Dio). Strauss chooses to keep the narrative moving at a very brisk pace, but uses too much of a popular flare and the reading level feels too high school level. Though he hits all the key moments and was hamstrung by a dearth of sources, the book probably does not offer much in the way of new insight.Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and it provided much food for thought of how things could have been very different had Anthony been bolder or smarter. As it turn out, Augustus was something of a rare genius in history; a man as shrewd and diplomatic as any leader has ever been.

I love ancient history & this isn't my first book on Rome. Unfortunately the author tries too often to say what Antony *SHOULD* have done to win the war.A historian mentioning potential options to avoid defeat can be insightful but in this book the author tries too often to say x should have done y.It can be very frustrating as today we have almost 20/20 vision looking back & of course some options would have been better.Overall a very informative book, with a recurring flaw.

From the time that I saw the Elizabeth Taylor film in 1963 at the age of 9, I’ve always wanted to know more and more about Actium. While the author covers all the known historical facts, I was hoping for something more. Why did Anthony not invade Italy? Why did he wait so long before deciding to breakout of Actium after his navy had been decimated by disease? Why did he allow for his supply lines to be so vulnerable to Agrippa’s attacks? He was an experienced commander. Making these blunders just makes no sense to me. I was hoping for some answers to these questions. The author danced around them a bit but no definitive reasons are given. Perhaps these questions can never be answered. Still I was hoping that the author was going to provide a eureka moment that didn’t come. Still a decent read and recommended.

Perfect read for history buff

Fairly well written, good use of the available sources, sometimes it seemed like in this book Barry, was inserting opinions a little bit too much but we have to few available sources to be absolutely certain of anything on certain questions regarding Mark Antony, Cleopatra or even the man who became Augustus. Still, it is well worth having in your library.

Professor Strauss gives readers an entertaining and informative account of the famous clash between Marc Antony (with his partner Cleopatra) and (aspiring emperor) Octavian over who would decide the destiny of the Roman Empire. This book covers much more than the facts of the Battle of Actium. Strauss discusses the backgrounds of the leading characters, as well as the relevant politics, economics, and cultural issues. In addition, Strauss provides interesting ideas about the military strategies and tactics used. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book, and highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in history.

Interesting historical account

Excellent book. I enjoy reading Roman history and decided to purchase it after seeing it recommended in one of the FB groups I am in. Would definitely recommend!

Sehr gut

I am forcing myself to finish this book. The subject is well-known and interesting, but I shudder at his sentences. Not what I expected. And the book is overpriced.