Augustus: Biography of Octavian, the First Roman Emperor

In the aftermath of Caesar's assassination, the Roman Republic was plunged into chaos, and Octavius, together with Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus, formed the Second Triumvirate to avenge Caesar's death and secure their political dominance. This alliance, however, was marred by internal strife and competing ambitions. After their victory over Caesar’s assassins at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, the Triumvirs divided the Republic’s territories among themselves. Yet, the unity that had characterized their alliance quickly began to erode, as their personal and political ambitions led to inevitable conflict. Lepidus was soon sidelined, and in 36 BC, Antony’s support began to wane, leading to the climactic Battle of Actium in 31 BC. The defeat of Antony, coupled with the subsequent suicide of both Antony and his ally Cleopatra, left Octavian as the undisputed ruler of Rome.