2nd September 31 BCE: Marc Antony and Cleopatra defeated by Octavian at the Battle of Actium

Octavian defeated the combined forces of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. The Second Triumvirate of Marc Antony, Octavian and Marcus Lepidus emerged out of the civil war that had erupted following the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE. However, the power-sharing agreement broke down as Antony grew closer to Queen Cleopatra VII Egypt. He eventually separated from his wife Octavia – Octavian’s sister – in favour of the Egyptian queen and together they along with Caesar...