7.7

Civil War between Augustus and Antony. The Battle of Actium, 31 BCE

Livy, Epitome 133.e. Velleius. 2.84–87; Plutarch, Antony 63–86.

Hīc: Antōny

cōgente uxōre Cleopatrā: ablative absolute with a present active participle (AG 419). As seen in the previous chapter, Octavian uses Antony's ties to Cleopatra for propagandistic purposes.

optat: = optāns, "hoping" (Hazzard)

in urbe: Rōmae 

ab Augustō: an anachronistic title, as Octavian was given the title Augustus in 27 BCE and the Battle of Actium occured in 31 BCE.

apud Actium: The Battle of Actium occurred on September 2, 31 BCE. Antony had collected a large naval and land force, but his ships were too large to be handled easily, and many of his land forces deserted. In the midst of the fight Cleopatra fled in her galley, and Antony basely deserted his forces and followed her (Hazzard). In Vergil's Aeneid, this battle is seen as the definitive event that ensures the emperor’s political supremacy. It appears depicted at the center of the marvelous shield made by Vulcan that Venus gives to Aeneas at the end of Book 8.

in Ēpīrō: Actium is located in Epirus.

ex quā: pūgnā 

dēspērātīs rebus: ablative absolute with a perfect passive participle (AG 419)

trānsīrent: "deserted" (LS transeo I.B.1)

adiecta est: Aegyptus is feminine (LS Aegyptus I).

C. Cornēlius Gallus: Octavian annexed Egypt, which he administered directly as a private possession through an equestrian prefect, C. Cornelius Gallus (Bird).

iūdicem: Eutropius uses the term iudex (judge) to describe Gallus' position, which is in keeping with late imperial usage when iudex could indicate any official endowed with administrative or jurisdictional power (Bird).