The Battle of Actium (31 B.C.E.)

Early Access on Patreon | historiacivilis...
Early Access on KZbin | historiacivilis...
Donate | historiacivilis...
Merch | historiacivilis...
Mailing List | historiacivilis...
Twitter | historiacivilis...
Website | historiacivilis...
Sources:
Plutarch, "The Life of Antony" | tinyurl.com/2ds...
Suetonius, "The Life of Augustus" | tinyurl.com/3d4...
Cassius Dio, "Roman History: Book 50" | tinyurl.com/m8n...
Cassius Dio, "Roman History: Book 51" | tinyurl.com/m8n...
--
Barry Strauss, "The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium" | tinyurl.com/4h2...
Stacy Schiff, "Cleopatra: A Life" | tinyurl.com/y9f...
Joyce Tyldesley, "Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt" | tinyurl.com/ycy...
Adrian Goldsworthy "Antony and Cleopatra" | tinyurl.com/mrd...
Adrian Goldsworthy, "Augustus: First Emperor of Rome" | tinyurl.com/mtd...
Anthony Everitt, "Augustus: The Life of Rome's First Emperor" | tinyurl.com/yde...
Tom Holland, "Dynasty: The Rise and Fall of the House of Caesar" | tinyurl.com/yc8...
Tom Holland, "Rubicon" | tinyurl.com/49a...
Music:
"Crypto," by Kevin MacLeod
"The Wrong Way," by Jahzzar
"Heliograph," by Chris Zabriskie
"Infados," by Kevin MacLeod
"Your Mother's Daughter," by Chris Zabriskie
"Deluge," by Cellophane Sam

[@arakui]

The image in my head of a horrified antony literally just jumping off his ship and swimming for another one might never be topped

[@Canada_Matt]

WTF HOW U COMMENT THEN

[@michaelscalzo6716]

What is this sorcery

[@mariakelly90210]

I remember watching that scene in the movie Cleopatra and feeling so embarrassed for Anthony.

[@agesanderas3250]

I'm guessing you're a member with early access?

[@agesanderas3250]

He should've checked with Tribune Aquila before he jumped ship

[@cpob2013]

Octavian: sure is a beautiful day today Livia: it sure is Octavian: you know who else is beautiful Livia: (blushes) who? Octavian: agrippa

[@villadskvistborg5917]

Bros before hoes

[@EdbertWeisly]

Then he points at the numerous beautiful fountains across the street

[@MrTmac9k]

Livia can't even be mad. She knows, like everyone else, that Agrippa is the best wingman ever.

[@Botkilla2K12]

That sounds like something out of an Oversimplified video

[@hannibalburgers477]

We knew the relationship is not romantical as Octavian kept sending him away to fight barbarians while he sat on his bed and contemplating

[@nikosgreek352]

Octavian won several lotteries in his life. His birth, being chosen by Ceasar.....but none could compare to having Agrippa lead his armies. The man was the most brilliant general of his generation. Ceasar himself would be cautious to go up against him. And he didnt want to be first man in Rome. He was content to be second!!!! An invaluable subordinate.

[@hamishbiggs]

Octavian must have been an absolute genius to succeed and survive to old age. Caesar could have chosen anyone to inheret and succeed him. However he picked correctly that an extremely young Octavian would have the brains, charisma, and political skill to take over from him. Octavian was a chess player of politics and Agripa was also a genius of war and technology. Probably why they were such good friends.

[@TheDelethar]

@@hamishbiggswe could make a show out of this

[@micheltanaka2420]

The only other example I can think of is Belisarius, but politics was so corroded by then that the emperor simply could not believe a general could be so talented AND loyal. He had a second Agrippa in his hands, but treated him like trash. :(

[@antonius_006]

Do you know how long Agrippa survived after that battle ?

[@micheltanaka2420]

@@antonius_006 a LOT. He had a long life after that battle and died peacefully a few years before Octavian himself (who himself died more than 70 years old).

[@Khaos768]

The genius of Octavian was that he knew his weaknesses but could recognize the best man for the job. And he didn't feel belittled when following exactly what he was told by them.

[@alanpennie8013]

Together the pair really were unbeatable.

[@hagamapama]

Having a trustworthy lieutenant is one of a ruler's greatest force multipliers.

[@FlaviusBelisarius-ck6uv]

Issue is that this was a special exemption for Agrippa. Aside from him, there are multiple stories of men Octavian, or should I say Augustus, had exiled, killed or otherwise removed due to his own shaky position and fear that their competence may outshine him. Many members of the Claudius, Junius and Cornelius gens met his wrath, a lot of them being exiled or killed on trumped up charges of being lovers of his daughter Julia. Something I find unforgivable was his mistreatment of Tiberius. Augustus knew Tiberius to be the most capable of being the next Princeps; a great military commander, a skilled diplomat and orator, very well educated and cultured and quite charming when he needed to be to boot. Yet, Tiberius was treated like the shit beneath his boot, with men like Drusus the Elder and Agrippa Posthumus and even children like Gaius and Lucius being favored. Only reason Tiberius got the throne in the end was cause they all died.

[@mrrodriguezHLP]

He also awarded him appropriately by integrating him into his family, and making his children part of the royal line. Agrippa's loyalty was assured, and maybe Octavian recognized a man who was talented but not overly-ambitious. If this were the 2nd century AD, Agrippa would have been emperor in no time.

[@npgabriel]

I mean, it’s pretty easy to pick the best man for the job when Agrippa is available.

[@TheAdmirableAdmiral]

It must suck so much for Mark Antony having lost this battle. Just 15 years earlier at ceasar's funeral it looked as if no one could challenge Antony as Ceasar's successor, and now he had absolutely no way to take back control. He must have played it over and over in his head where he went wrong and how he could have done things differently.

[@nikolatortevski9889]

Octavian being proclaimed Caesar's heir is a factor too. It wasn't all in Antony's hands.

[@therealestg9]

Read Plutarch's description of the extremely lavish and decadent lifestyle that Antony lived in Cleopatra's court at Alexandria. Decadence will undo even the toughest soldier.

[@nikolatortevski9889]

@@therealestg9 I've read Plutarch's life of Antony, I know this. I'm just saying, Caesar proclaiming Octavian his heir played a role in Antony's downfall, so not everything depends on Antony as to "where it all went wrong". He overcame all of his enemies in Rome before Octavian showed up.

[@marcteenhc9793]

@@therealestg9 That was part of Octavian's propaganda to discredit Anthony and turn Rome against him before even engaging him into battle.

[@snakelady647]

Sucks to suck

[@resileaf9501]

Every new video makes me further amazed at just how much of a genius Agrippa was.

[@ChickenNuggets-jf5uf]

Are we sure he wasn’t just a time traveler that knew Latin? His thought process is at least 1900 years ahead of his time. /s

[@davidhughes8357]

He had a firm grip on things. LOL

[@bakters]

" *how much of a genius Aggripa was* " Pompei "won" the war of logistics against Caesar just as, if not more convincingly. The actual genius managed to turn it all around, like he was fond of doing, over and over again. That's how a genius in action looks. Agrippa was good. If he was a genius, he was hiding it well.

[@kiba775237]

my opinion of Aggripa was that he was a very competent commander in a time of bad commanders. that's just my opinion.

[@cziwochel3415]

@@bakters could you give some examples?

[@willo7734]

I’m glad Marcus Agrippa is getting the credit he deserves on your channel. We don’t hear enough about him in history classes but he definitely was one of the best and smartest generals in history. You gotta respect a guy who thinks 20 centuries ahead of his time when it comes to warfare.

[@alanpennie8013]

At least he gets the credit for The Pantheon in Rome. A beautiful temple now a church.

[@CoffeeSuccubus]

@@alanpennie8013 the barbarians destroyed and spat on his face by using it as a church! Christian brutes.

[@Rizzlelid]

Damn straight. ROME HBO makes him seem docile and Octavian's bitch. He was the number one, at being second

[@Italian_Spiderman]

Yeah I had to go get a degree in history to finally hear the story of Agrippa’s badassery. Peeps oughta know! Seriously underrated dude.

[@worsethanjoerogan8061]

Yeah Historia Civilis isn't a big fan of Octavian

[@Sykale]

Betraying his soldiers seems like a fitting end to Antony's career.

[@samsonsoturian6013]

They're ultimately his employees, not his family

[@mariakelly90210]

When I watched Cleopatra, I was so mad at how Anthony treated Martin Landau's character (I'm a big Martin Landau and Classic Mission Impossible fan).

[@mariakelly90210]

When I watched Cleopatra, I was so mad at how Anthony treated Martin Landau's character (I'm a big Martin Landau and Classic Mission Impossible fan).

[@mariakelly90210]

When I watched Cleopatra, I was so mad at how Anthony treated Martin Landau's character (I'm a big Martin Landau and Classic Mission Impossible fan).

[@mariakelly90210]

When I watched Cleopatra, I was so mad at how Anthony treated Martin Landau's character (I'm a big Martin Landau and Classic Mission Impossible fan).

[@kfizzledizzle8467]

The entire power struggle and war between Octavian and Antony can basically be summed up with "Antony commanded the right flank because he knew that was where all the action would be. Agrippa commanded opposite him. Octavian watched from a distance."

[@kekero540]

*Octavian falls asleep from boredom.

[@MenwithHill]

SPOILER : I used to feel a bit baffled that Augustus' name was not as well remembered as Caesar even though he was the first emperor of Rome. Now I know it was entirely deserved.

[@zehsackett6132]

Antony wasn't as smart as he thought he was. That was his worst trait as a leader.

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

@MenwithHill When Roman Empire still existed Augustus was more prominent that Caesar (not that he was exactly forgotten). But after Caesar got more appreciated for his writings and later on for his character (and then critiqued more when democracies became fashionable).

[@antonius_006]

​@@zehsackett6132 Who is saying It, a Strategist that is thinking is smarter ? 😂

[@Artemicion321]

I like that Octavian was perfectly willing to realize after all these years he wasn't great at military stuff at all, and basically just let Agrippa handle everything. I mean, he's still taking the credit, but still.

[@alanpennie8013]

I think he realised this from the beginning. He was never interested in military glory or a triumph only in getting the job done.

[@Elendrian]

Wisdom is surrounding yourself with people who know more than you do.

[@IDontKnow-dl3lq]

yea i think octavian and agrippa should kiss

[@alanpennie8013]

@@IDontKnow-dl3lq They are the bisected soul from Plato's Symposium. Reunited they would be the bestest human.

[@IDontKnow-dl3lq]

@@alanpennie8013 'bestest human' you mean like julius caesar?

[@AmariFukui]

Its astonishing to me how quickly Octavian and Agrippa dismantled Antonys entire power structure, Illyria put up a bigger fight

[@lorefox201]

Cleopatra and Anthony dismantled Anthony's power structure in the east.

[@lorefox201]

@thesammy78ify ...by the good old strategy of being greedy goofballs

[@alanpennie8013]

Antony looked like a complete sucker. He really needed his enemies to make a mistake to give him an opportunity, but they never did. "As someone long prepared for the occasion, In full command of every plan you wrecked. Do not seek a coward's explanation, That hides between the cause and the effect."

[@Colddirector]

Antony was always kind of a chump though, Cicero basically had him nailed dead to rights as an enemy of Rome before Octavian allied with him.

[@lorefox201]

@@Colddirector a goof even before turning to abject simping.

[@anon2427]

Been waiting a while for this one. “If I know the gods don’t got me, Agrippa still do” - augustus

[@Serocco]

Octavian would have gotten nowhere without Agrippa imo

[@mokithepepe2454]

rom com of the century

[@zealousdoggo]

​@@mokithepepe2454Roman Companionship

[@elegy.1226]

What

[@kingofcards9516]

@@Serocco And vice versa, Agrippa was great at war but politics was Octavians game.

[@skirata3144]

The setup of the battle of Actium really seems like the poster child of „Amateurs talk tactics, professionals talk logistics“ Agrippa cut Anthonys entire logistic train while offering the bait of a nice, clean and easy land battle up north to entice Anthony into ignoring his south and supply.

[@joseamadorsilva7395]

Agreed. Never ignore your supply lines. A battle south would have changed the entire battlefield and do much to save his supplies.., or... maybe come in from the other side of Greece? A shipping delay yes.. but superior to giving the enemy your fleet to use against you.

[@СусаннаСергеевна]

Marching south was an equally bad option. What Antonius was doing was engaging Octavian in Fabian tactics. Unsuccessfully so, thanks to Agrippa, but allowing Octavian to seize the port while he marched out to chase what were essentially pirates with a land army would have been ludicrous. I think that, had he pushed for a decisive naval battle from the beginning, he would have been successful, but it seems Cleopatra was firmly against risking her navy on that and for whatever reason Antonius wouldn’t push the issue even when the alternative was so much riskier. The battle that eventually does ensue is indecisive right up to the moment Cleopatra and Antonius bravely run away away, and the men they deserted promptly return the favour.

[@oldrabbit8290]

@@СусаннаСергеевна still, the rest of Anthony's warship just sat there and let Agrippa molest their supplier line from the Greek bases. If Anthony sent some of his warships to blockage Agrippa base, and part of his land force down south to dislodge these pirate, Anthony could - at the very least - keep Agrippa in the South, away from the main showdown where Anthony actually have a advantage in battle-experience.

[@lorefox201]

if you notice he had lost the Parthian campaign a few years earlier exactly in the same way.

[@justinokraski3796]

He could’ve at least sent his warships to escort his supply ships in a convoy, maybe with a supply base in Crete where they’d be escorted the rest of the way

[@EoWxBrutos]

Agrippa personifying the quote "Don't give your enemy a problem. Give them a dilemma."

[@1udwi6]

EHEM and space scooter sounds

[@evil5423]

In battle of Actium, Anthony lost everything he had hoped for. But at least his dad/greatuncle didn't make Tribune Aquila mad

[@colinmerritt7645]

Actually that's what happened: Antony forgot to ask Tribune Aquila before going into battle.

[@t.wcharles2171]

@@colinmerritt7645 I doubt he'd have said yes considering he was killed by Anthony's army at Mutina.

[@MSNL123]

Did Tribune Aquila agree to this comment?

[@q-tip9756]

@@MSNL123 I don't think so.

[@LOL-zu1zr]

If the Egyptian ships attacked the center or reenforced the right it might have ended up different

[@drdiabeetus4419]

I love how you give Agrippa a sci-fi sound effect. Also I love how he just essentially went full on swashbuckler

[@SamaritanPrime]

(He’s A Pirate intensifies)

[@QemeH]

The Sci-Fi sound effect is really apt for Agrippa - he was decades ahead of his contemporaries in many regards, it's just difficult to see when the difference is "can use his eyes to navigate without a coastline in sight". It seems so much of a given to us that it doesn't feel like a huge "technology" jump (or rather know-how), but it totally reshaped the naval strategem.

[@LOL-zu1zr]

Yar plunder the Egyptians

[@lorefox201]

pirates of the ancient Mediterranean "you'll remember this day as the day you almost caught the great pirate sextus Pompeus!" *they capture him immediately after*

[@hyperion3145]

@@lorefox201 D'oh!

[@Stoneworks]

All Hail Marcus Agrippa, Boat King, Beloved of Neptune!

[@art-games6230]

If stonework’s is going to recreate this battle in Minecraft, I wouldn’t be surprised, keep up the great work!

[@mmcworldbuilding5994]

yo didnt expect to see you here! good taste in history youtubers

[@egillskallagrimson5879]

that dude desrves a Temple!

[@lil_jackgamez8992]

Nice

[@YD39222]

Stoney comes in with the cool beard

[@1114cole]

So close to the end of the republic now. While there is plenty more history to cover, it has to feel like the end of a chapter for your life. A great work nearing completion in and of itself. Be proud of your ability to make people interested in this.

[@СусаннаСергеевна]

The republic arguably ended when Marius abolished the militia in favour of a professional, standing army. After this Rome was dominated by one warlord after the other, and the interregnums were so stifled by the oligarchal tendencies of the optimates that no meaningful politics could take place. Caesar's dictatorship was in many ways an attempt to revive the republic, it was this threat of losing power to upstarts and "foreigners" that primarily drove the conspiracy to murder him.

[@HaloFTW55]

There is still Alexander’s saga and the Punic Wars

[@1114cole]

@@HaloFTW55 Absolutely, it just feels like the roman republic meeting its end is the end of an era for the channel.

[@PRubin-rh4sr]

@@HaloFTW55 Alexander is covered so much it would be a waste of time.

[@dominikfraaanjuan]

@@PRubin-rh4sr yeah, it'll be better if they cover the Rise of Achaemenid instead. Almost every channel had done Alexander's saga but almost none done the Rise of the Achaemenid Empire in detailed manner like they do with the Alexander one.

[@billymarshall8084]

Agrippa: for us to succeed i need you to do to absolutely nothing. Octavian: you know what, i think i can do that.

[@MrMaxel3]

HBO's Rome makes such a great scene at Anthony's demise. His monologue really goes great with the atmosphere Plutarc paints of him at the end of the battlefield.

[@bymafia2606]

shame that show portrayed Agrippa so poorly

[@jtgd]

@@bymafia2606 they barely showed him, other than worth Octavia

[@BlackMasterRoshi]

@@jtgd wtf

[@BadmanOfBanterbury]

@@bymafia2606 The portrayal of Cicero in that show is criminal. I have to argue Cicero's virtues with my friends all of the time, because that show portrays him as a conniving Machiavellian with no principles or strength of character.

[@kaylethstarbane7800]

@@bymafia2606 Have you watched Augustus: The First Emperor? I think it portrays them pretty well.

[@filipbujaroski9221]

Always a good day when Historia Civilis puts out a new video

[@AtelierLaoshi]

a total of 5 good days every year

[@mrskittles08]

Getting pumped when that battle bassline starts to play.

[@balabanasireti]

Unoriginal line

[@filipbujaroski9221]

I’m grateful for the 5 good days. M K, you’re welcome to be original. I had no such intention

[@ButthurtImmigrant]

AGREED

[@CruzaComplex]

Edit: Two months later I've changed my mind. I think Antony was do or die and Cleopatra was pragmatic. Antony either over estimated his ability to succeed or couldn't convince Cleopatra to get her navy involved. Abandoning your legions had to have been political suicide, and Antony would've known that. Generals not putting weight behind his decision to fight at sea didn't help either...my tinfoil hat says the attempt to kidnap Antony was a result of him ignoring his generals. I think Antony suspected he'd be killed by his own men if the battle didn't go well. Cleopatra left when she saw writing on the wall, and the decision Antony made to follow her probably wasn't premeditated. I think in the comfort of camp the night before he'd resolved to win or be a martyr, and in the heat of the moment he chose to renege. --- IMHO the plan was always for Antony and Cleopatra to run if the battle went poorly, but Antony was supposed to be the one to make that call. Cleopatra made the decision instead. I think this explains why there were sails on the ships already-- the plan was always to run. Antony wouldn't speak to Cleopatra because her decision made him look weak. In his mind, he could have fought to a draw. Antony carried the cross, so to speak, of abandoning his legions. It's also completely in-character for Cleopatra to do this-- we know she was an opportunist, and I can't imagine she'd let a relationship compromise her own autonomy. Lest we forget what Romans liked to do to foreign monarchs they'd defeated.

[@UnionJack437]

I like this explaination. It's a bit maddening not knowing the answer though. So much plot left unanswered. Was Antony betrayed? Was he the betrayer? It's wild. All the possible character development and we're left, essentially, on a "decide for yourself" cliff hanger.

[@kingofcards9516]

Cleopatra is one sneaky woman.

[@soupordave]

100% agree. I think to Antony it was always supposed to be a last ditch flight, but Cleopatra took off as soon as there was an opening. Antony's jumping ship had to be an emotional response, one that he immediately regretted once he had a chance to cool down. By then it was too late of course. Antony was despondent because he knew that he and Cleopatra had just doomed their cause. Being seen by everyone in the battle to chase after a woman and abandon his men is probably the worst thing a Roman commander could possibly do in a society that had such strong views on masculinity. It confirmed every slander Octavian had flung at Antony and he knew it.

[@jordanfry5138]

I think this is well said - Cleopatra clearly broke the plan somehow due to her own idea of how the battle was going (which was quite likely accurate) but even Antony wouldn't have missed the fact that she had sails still, and Cleopatra wouldn't have completely betrayed him at random, because it would have doomed her. So it must be that Cleopatra was doing something at least close to their original plan, but with at least one significant difference, which explains both Antony's hasty escape and his silence towards her afterwards, and also makes it more clear how either of them thought it was a good idea for a second, because the way it turned out was only ever going to piss off Antony's men, but something more intentional in either direction would have gone over better.

[@lorefox201]

let's be real, Cleopatra got annoyed at her puppet Anthony being unable to win the war for her and decided to bail leaving him and all his men to die. Anthony realized and took to pursue. Once he got on the ship he didn't talk with her because he had finally realized that Octavian was right, about the donations, about his actual wife and etc, and she had used him for years as her simp only to discard him when he was no longer useful. Eventually she'll have him commit suicide and try to pull the same tricks on Octavian too, her failure leading her too to the asp, and poor innocent Helios and Selene dying for her ambition.

[@MidlifeCrisisJoe]

I am increasingly coming to believe that Agrippa may be the most likely candidate we have for an actual time traveler. He was thinking of war in such a completely anachronistic manner, and was so ahead of the curve that I'm wondering if you seached his home if you'd find a tricked out DeLorean.

[@IgN5P]

Marty McFly may look eerily like Agrippa.

[@MrJH101]

“Never outshine the master” is the first law from *The 48 Laws of Power* and I believe it’s something that Agrippa inadvertently understood, which would help him to advance his own career from originally being a nobody to becoming the highest-ranking military official in the whole Roman military. Agrippa was obviously superior in matters of war than Octavian was (which is why Octavian chose him), but one will also notice that Agrippa always incorporated Octavian somewhere into his plans to have him hold some sort of leadership role on paper. This could have been at Octavian’s insistence too, but for a guy who would fall asleep during battles, I doubt Octavian actually wanted to be part of these battles most of the time. Octavian would generally be placed in one of the safer areas of a battle surrounded by a plethora of soldiers. Although nowhere is ever completely safe but the odds of him dying were always relatively less compared to whatever Agrippa’s role was. Or during the overall campaigns of a war, Octavian would always be leading one of the less-riskier armies during Agrippa’s multi-offensive campaign plans (see this campaign and the Illyricum campaign as examples of this), while Agrippa would typically be doing the riskier/pivotal leadership roles elsewhere in these plans to secure victory. In doing so, Agrippa would always ensure that his master (Octavian) was relatively safer and that Octavian could still receive the credit publicly by having technically been “part” of the battle/campaign in some manner. And if Agrippa were to ever fail during one of these pivotal roles, Octavian would still be safe and any blame on a failed campaign could fall onto Agrippa’s shoulders. However, Agrippa would continuously succeed and this always allowed Octavian to take the credit politically/superficially to the people back home, which then would lead to Octavian showering Agrippa with rewards and promotions.

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

Even before Octavian unofficially became the emperor (he still pretended he has restored the Republic during his life) their relationship was like a king and his general. Agrippa wasn’t from a family back round where it would have been possible for him to take charge, and Octavian was Caesar’s heir.

[@vuitui2121]

“Never outshine the master” I hope Han Xin would learn something about that too!

[@Whoami691]

Agrippa was fine at his number 2 spot. He seemed to relish his role as the right hand. Loyalty, competence, wisdom and capability are astoundingly rare to find in a single individual that high up in the power structure.

[@BlackMasterRoshi]

To me, Agrippa is the protagonist of any story he appears in.

[@santigamerprogamer6493]

I want an Agripplushie, I don't care if it is a low-quality red cube.

[@lkcdarzadix6216]

@@santigamerprogamer6493 with sailor hat

[@aim1998man]

@@santigamerprogamer6493 Agripplushie

[@hagamapama]

@@lkcdarzadix6216 And a sound circuit with the scooter effect

[@santigamerprogamer6493]

@@hagamapama and the UFO

[@rexbartuzik2440]

The Battle of Actium was definitely a brilliant play by Marcus Agrippa. He was able to outmaneuver the quinqueremes with triremes. This means increased discipline by rowers and good pilots to ram and pull back and avoid being boarded or counter rammed.

[@stefanogandino9192]

*a bad play by cleopathra

[@cageybee7221]

it also helps that antony was an idiot.

[@sylvainprigent6234]

Man I love the work you do I really do I hope to see many more of these videos at this quality before you stop

[@BulletFestival]

Seconded!

[@SkiTiNo]

Please never stop 🍕

[@mueezadam8438]

And with the nature of the internet, these will essentially exist in perpetuity for many people to enjoy/learn

[@nicksmith8293]

If jupiter bless us he will only stop in 476 a.d

[@phnexOice]

I hope he does other periods in history like this, i'd kill to see him do the Sengoku Jidai

[@francescomazzei4111]

My take on Actium is that Anthony's objective, after having been logistically checkmated by Agrippa and forced in a lose-lose situation, was primarily "escape and minimize losses". For this reason: 1. The land army was tasked with retreating no matter the outcome of the battle, showing that even in case of victory Anthony had no intention to give pursue or to continue the campaign; 2. The Egyptian vessels were left in reserve, with Cleopatra and the treasure on board and the sails ready; At the same time, I can hardly imagine Anthony launching his fleet into battle just for create an opening for Cleopatra to run. Abandoning men and boats to Agrippa seems too wasteful. I think that Anthony seriously committed to the battle. He was retreating, yes, but he wanted to win a naval confrontation. Beating Agrippa at sea would have had a double effect: 1. Damaging Octavian's position at sea, which had become too strong; 2. Displaying power and confidence to his allies, proving that victory was still obtainable; So, the plan was to win the naval confrontation and withdraw immediately. In this way, the whole Actium's affair would have turned out in a draw. Now, Anthony and Cleopatra had probably set up a plan for a quick escape if the battle went south: in case of things going for the worst, Egyptian ships were supposed to find the first opening and make a run for it; Anthony's flagship was supposed to be followed by a lighter and quicker ship to allow him escape. Now, this is how I believe things actually went the day of the battle. Cleopatra made the call for activating the escape B plan without consulting Anthony. Perhaps she was convinced the battle was lost, or perhaps she didn't like the main plan and forced his hands. This will explain why Anthony had to jump in the water (probably he had been separated from his escape ship when he launched the assault) and was mad at Cleopatra after the battle

[@CalvinNoire]

Sounds like a good theory.

[@ohscr]

Poor Antony. This was the guy who led Caesar's cavalry at Alesia. What a fall.

[@shingshongshamalama]

I love that there are two very different stories out of the one same scene. On the one hand, Cleopatra convinces Antony of some cunning plan to get out of this seemingly hopeless fight, which he still manages to almost screw up and get himself killed, leaving the man dejected and humiliated sailing away with his foreign wife, feeling like he's betraying his own soldiers and his fellow Romans. On the other hand, we have a story of a woman who talks her headstrong husband into a crafty ruse, then doesn't bother mentioning that the plan never involved him coming with, and now Antony sits here on this ship, keeping up appearances, knowing that even his wife might betray him.

[@watching7721]

Might be a combination of the two

[@Stevrovich]

Im a bit tempted to hang towards Cleopatra seeing which way the winds were blowing. Antony was deffs left out to dry having to swim like that, and the reserves move could have done some damage if it were a tactical trust instead of a pure play to get out. Maybe Antony had been left to think these reserves were for exactly such a thrust, only to be left scrambeling when it turned not to be the case. Worth knowing if these reserves Cleopatra was sailing with were large enough to militarily make a difference. Either way, the sudden nature of it all smacks off Cleopatra getting cold feet

[@lorefox201]

@@Stevrovich it was 85 state of the art warship you bet they could have made a difference

[@hx5525]

@@lorefox201 I concur, they could have relieved Anthony’s flank and there was still a shot at victory. But they fled-stupidity at its finest, how could cleopatra not anticipate the defections after that?

[@lorefox201]

@@hx5525 Cleopatra was an able politician and pretty ruthless in seeking political advantage, not a military commander.

[@Ranyas_Senestela]

Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for? - Marcus Agrippa 31 BCE

[@SMAXZO]

"COME ON, YOU APES! YOU WANNA LIVE FOREVER?" - Marcus Agrippa, before he underwent his naval campaign

[@shootingblueyes]

Highest quality youtuber. Simple animations and representations leave no room for exaggerations and misinformation. You are one of the most effective historians at displaying information in a way that's closest to the source material without embellishment. You are the first channel I recommend to anyone interested in history.

[@barrymoore4470]

Yes, I really appreciate the spare but elegant and effective graphics as conveyors of the narrative. It's a good visual analogue to a serious historian's sober and analytical approach.

[@julio1116]

Without embellishment? Dude is performing a fellatio on agrippa the whole vid

[@shootingblueyes]

@@julio1116 commentary on the contents of primary and secondary sources isn't the same as embellishment.

[@PageIsYourGod]

I dunno about misinformation. I am currently reading Michael Parenti’s People’s history of Rome, and he most certainly paints both Caesar and Cicero in different lights. I mainly agree with his view of Cicero as a cretinous landlord who helped egg on, and enhance, the deep fissures in Roman political society. But other than that, this channel has really brought so much extra depth to my understanding of classical civilisation, and inspired me further on to continue this love.

[@pehpunkthahpunkt4179]

100% agreed

[@andredossantosalonsopereir6009]

Mark Antony: I have an army Octavian: I have Agrippa

[@wgolyoko]

Agrippa's quick move to box in Antony is insane. Reminiscent of Napoleon and such. Here I was thinking Antony was the one that could afford a waiting game (since he could be growing his army as much as he wanted in the East waiting for Octavian and preparing the terrain), but with this strategic move by Aggripa, the chessboard was completely turned around.

[@restitutororbis964]

Antony’s biggest blunder was chasing after Octavian, then on top of that waiting whilst receiving no supply. Generals “wait and see” are historically the worst kind specially in situations that rely on time.

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

It’s never a good move to allow someone to disturb your supplies, Antonius should have known that and moved to South. I assume he was too focused on Octavian as a person.

[@SittingOnEdgeman]

It seems as if Agrippa's strategy had a gamble hidden within it: he gambled that Antony would think like a Roman, which was a pretty safe bet. He would want to come to grips with the main strength of the enemy and destroy it. If Antony had headed south, and secured his supply lines, time would have been on his side. And I doubt that even Agrippa could have held him off until Octavian came to relieve him. Still not a great shot at winning, but it would've been better I believe than the shot he had by going north.

[@puppieslovies]

To be fair, if your gamble is predicting your enemy will act exactly how they have always acted and how everyone else would, then every decision in life is a gamble, because that's near certain

[@possibly_a_retard]

Agrippa could always retreat via sea with his veteran sailors, but I still would have marched/sailed south to ensure that very outcome at the least. And there's no hindsight here, even in their day the criticality of a functional supply line is not revolutionary, it's why he set it up in the first place. But of course, the decision to move the supplies entirely by ship along the west coast WITHOUT ESCORT seems ridiculous. Even absent escort, where were the ships to react to Agrippa's actions? Why did he not immediately move in and pin Agrippa landlocked inside his single captured port using his all those ships of his accompanying his army? At the very least why not intercept your supply ships in advance of Agrippa's position and reroute the deliveries to the east into Athens and re-establish your lines with an over land second half? Why not do that from the start? Some wars are won, and credit to minds that win them. Not to take anything from Agrippa, but some wars are simply lost, and credit to the mediocrity that lose them. Antony fucked this up and kept fucking it up.

[@mustafacalkap26]

@@possibly_a_retard with his superior fleet and probably much better sailors why didnt he Chase agrippa off? I think it has something to do with HC saying octavian landed earlier and to the norther than expected. I can imagine Anthony deploying mass of his fleet to do as much as damage to crossing octavian. I specalute he sent ships to south but with local superiority agrippa couldnt be dislodged. It was a really good plan that played on anthony's ineffectiveness. He was a great lieutenant under caesar but not a great commander on his own. But of course these are specalutions.

[@thepebblesexplore83]

Octavian was known to be the weaker tactician vs Agrippa. He probably thought it would be easier to beat him, and with him beaten maybe it would have been over.

[@SMAXZO]

In other words... Anthony was playing chess but Agrippa's playing poker. Anthony think it's gonna be a typical Roman campaign... Agrippa's playing a different game.

[@nicolasmatheusfernandesdos6229]

I'd bet Cleopatra saw the writing on the wall before, and during Actium. She'd be willing to ditch him and, as she'd done before, sway Octavian into her having a strong position. IMO, she abandoned him, but unluckily he didn't die in the battle, and she was now stuck with him. Now, with hindsight, to the end of her days. Maybe she pressured for a sea battle because she saw exactly the opportunity she'd need to escape?

[@ProfJonah]

@Jace Rivera the problem with your logic is that there wouldn't be a battle, the army would just starve

[@niccolorichter1488]

mostt likely she was always for Egypt not anything else She later tried to make deal with Octavian I do think she was kinda dumb and dint realise that if Antony deasnt win she and Egypt are doom

[@uscdave1124]

You know I literally just thought "Man I wonder whatever happened to Historia Civilis" and I am so stoked to see another video posted 30 minutes ago. I had to stop following this channel for a while. Back when I was married this was the favorite KZbin channel of my wife and I. After we split up I just could not deal with the reminder of it anymore. But I believe I'm past that and watching these videos doesn't constantly remind me of when we sat on the couch together and watched these.

[@Serocco]

How long ago was the breakup?

[@notcrackerjack]

Best of luck, man. I’m glad you’re comfortable with watching him again

[@seepons]

You know a channel is good when it becomes a part of your life, I hope you are doing good mate.

[@justethan5389]

I'd like to add just to Aggripa's move for Methone. It seems to me that another part of what he was doing was reading what Antony would have expected. Most major military crossings would be from Brundisium to the Apollonium/Dyrrachium area. By sailing from Rhegium(-ish) to Methone, he was gambling that Antony wouldn't really have a contingency beyond light garrisons. In this way, I think we're seeing Agrippa's military genius in how he read his opponents. He saw what convential Roman doctrine said and what history had shown and forged another path to go down instead.

[@georgiishmakov9588]

it seems super obvious to me that Octavian had a mole in Anthony's camp. That would explain so much - Octavian may have sucked at fighting wars, but he was great at dealing with people, if there was anyone in that war that would have paid a lot of attention to intelligence and would have the skills to set up what we today would call an intelligence agency, it'd be Octavian, and if there's anyone who'd flip a high-ranking man in the enemy camp and know how to use their info while protecting his sources, it'd also be Octavian.

[@lorefox201]

@@georgiishmakov9588 some senators left and went to Antony when Octavian's did his show of force in the senate just before the war. All it would take is a few senators of the group actually being loyal to Octavian and being secretly told to leave and play intelligence. Boom, done.

[@georgiishmakov9588]

@@lorefox201 we don't know how good their opsec was - in the modern day, congresspeople aren't allowed near sensitive intelligence and get the safe for public consumption version of events, for a very similar reason. However, Anthony doesn't strike me as the sort of guy to think about opsec.

[@lorefox201]

@@georgiishmakov9588 i was going to tell you just that, Anthony sounds like the kind of guy who brag endlessly about the latest fruits of his galaxy brain with whoever will listen tbfh.

[@lautaromoyano5692]

I read about Actium for the first time 8 years ago, being 14 and starting to get into history by reading about Cesar and Octavian. I haven't understood how that battle could have been as usefull for Octavian and Agripa until now. Always felt to me like a minor defeat in comparison to what happened to Pompey at Pharsalus, but finally I got my answer. Really thanks a lot! This period of history is not only one of my favourites but also the one that got me into history on the first place. Your videos help me remember and get to know some details that I haven't ever heard before. I think you are my favourite history channel, love your work, keep on going!!!

[@michaelscalzo6716]

Historia Civilis dropped a new video, the whole world rejoices

[@rotciv1492]

Agrippa is one of those rare military geniuses who knows which tools he has and how to use them the best possible way to overturn all of his disadvantages and counter his enemy's advantages. Same breed as guys like Jan Žižka, Fernández de Córdoba, Von Moltke or Philip II.

[@Jake007123]

He also though of war like a general from literally many centuries after. Is almost absurd that he was a 1st century BCE Roman general, with the way he waged war.

[@AlexPryrodny]

And Valeriy Zaluzhny

[@costakeith9048]

@@Jake007123 I wouldn't say it was unprecedented, even amongst the Romans, Scipio Africanus was famous for his land-sea cooperation and amphibious warfare, especially in his Spanish Campaign, centuries before.

[@occam7382]

You forgot to mention one of the biggest gigachads in US military history: Ulysses S. Grant.

[@Skibbityboo0580]

I don't know why you used that Jetson's sound for Agrippa, but it works perfectly

[@TommyTombs]

Historically accurate

[@Joanna-il2ur]

One of my students wrote an assignment about Octavian riding into battle at Actium. I hated to have to tell him it was a sea battle! Mind you, Horace says in one of his epodes that O was seasick and watched it from the safety of the beach, not that my student knew that.

[@restitutororbis964]

Must have been a shocker when he realized that Octavian wasn’t even in the battle he just slept from boredom lol.

[@richmont8198]

Agrippa is in my opinion the most under rated person in all of ancient history and an easy top 5 Roman of all time, so it gives me ungodly pleasure seeing you so thoroughly detail his genius and exploits.

[@PRubin-rh4sr]

Beating other Romans are cringe

[@Wasteland88]

​@@PRubin-rh4srL

[@madisonc3979]

I'm sure as Augustus was promising to pay all his soldiers after just one more campaign Caesar's ghost was standing behind him going "Oh he just like me FR."

[@Eisenidummkopf]

Like Father like Son

[@ciaosonoAlbertoG]

I've honestly been binging this channel lately. I'd watch this stuff all day long. You're special man, keep doing what you do. It's on another level

[@gadguard]

Just a shame we have to wait months for uploads. Still worth it though.

[@nishensemble]

He is legit the best because his presentations make everything so easily memorable.

[@johnbono2384]

I know it's unfair to ask of a channel literally named "historia civilis", but I want more 19th century content from him so badly!

[@Janny890]

I bet after the battle Cleopatra was telling Anthony that Caesar would’ve won the battle with half the men and that’s why he didn’t talk to her.

[@savagesavant4964]

Yep! A woman will leave you to die in an instant, in order to save herself.

[@coloradoing9172]

@@xrcvbn Who? Sarah Paulson?

[@alanpennie8013]

Antony was sulking and Cleopatra didn't really have a chance to say anything.

[@HeheICreamed]

I'm having a hard time imagining how you could see Antony's actions as anything other than the depression of betrayal.

[@stevenirizarry1304]

Antony lost battles before…this had to have been betrayal

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

If Cleopatra wanted to betray him, her other actions don’t make much sense. She might have miscalculated how the battle was going and too early activated the plan B escape plan. But I would not see this as outright betrayal

[@okanylmaz3883]

Watching this on a September 2nd, almost two thousand years later, it's still one of the most gripping stories in history.

[@liammorriss]

You mean, Agripping story?

[@pufffincrazy5275]

⁠@@liammorrissba-dum crash 🥁

[@darioruizdedomingo]

We are absolutely spoiled with the quality content this channel produces... It gives me such a rush everytime he posts and the information is sooo well documented. I can't imagine the amount of work that goes into each video but I can say every single one of them is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Historia Civilis

[@elvisfifo]

Agreec

[@adultadulturson7142]

Octavians plot armour really shows when you consider that Caesar had to refight his civil war twice after winning a decisive battle. Meanwhile Actium, despite not being decisive in of itself, was so devastating to Antony and Cleo that the Egyptian campaign is practically a footnote in history

[@KKKKKKK777js]

Not realy plot armor just a diffrent set of skills. He was not the general his uncle was, but Octavian was far better at propaganda and placating the Roman public than Ceasar, who was a bit to vain for his own good. Second Octavian made sure his enemies stayed dead and potential threats were dealt with. Brutal and sociopathic but also effective. Ceasars clemency probably caused his downfall. Lastly Marc Anthony might have been the worst politician of the age. If he was not winning on the battlefield or shielded by Ceasar he was done.

[@TheShadowOfMars]

@@KKKKKKK777js Bibulus took that personally.

[@KKKKKKK777js]

@@TheShadowOfMars Eh Bibulus was a fine fairly creative Optimate obstructionist. Not realy his fault his coconsul was a freaking bulldoser. Not even Cato himself could probably stop Ceasar as consol. Anthony meanwhile lost control of Rome all on his own. And he did it twice while in position of power.

[@Progamermove_2003]

​@@TheShadowOfMars Bibilus was facing none other than Caesar himself, while Anthony was being backed by none other than Caesar himself. That's the difference between the two.

[@MidlifeCrisisJoe]

Look, the writers (God? I guess?) were really tired after coming up with all that epic drama for Julius Caesar and Pompey and fun supporting characters like Crassus. They knew they needed to wrap this arc up so they gave the MC a little too much plot armor. It occasionally happens. Like when they needed Napoleon to fight his final battle for the sequel to his conquest of Europe, so just had all the French soldiers immediately switch to his side when they had been order to arrest him.

[@rotciv1492]

Damn. That's quite a distance to swim in such an inmense naval battle and have enough time to reach the center, rearrange some ships and follow Cleopatra all along. Mark Anthony must have been quite fit.

[@americanaccolon1319]

I’ve always heard the Mark Antony was his times version of a “man’s man” he certainly was pretty fit

[@alanpennie8013]

@@americanaccolon1319 It was bad generalling but extremely impressive swimming. Give Antony a silver medal!

[@Tzilandi]

@@alanpennie8013 "Why didn't Antony get the Gold medal?" "Agrippa beat him over the finishing line on a motorboat."

[@therealestg9]

Banging Cleopatra every night seems to have kept in good shape

[@CivilWarWeekByWeek]

Honestly the best way to learn about the battle goes into the context with depth

[@Comrade_Connie]

Yep

[@ismaelismael8543]

I really like how you analyze Anthony's decisions without falling into the trap of just considering him an idiot, because a) he wasn't and b) it helps to highlight agrippa's genius in the battlefield, as he was able to consider aspects of warfare that not even the best generals of his time would think of

[@chrissmith3587]

I have to agree, I think Antony’s mistakes were not stupid but his military doctrines were so out matched He did not place enough importance on the logistics or navy, it says enough that when given the choice of marching north for a big army battle or securing logistics he chose the battle. I read him as a good tactical leader but compared to Agrippa a poor strategic thinker

[@Things_n_Stuff]

Watching this series go from Caesar’s conquests to the sheer madness of trying to move on from his death has been a truly fascinating experience. *So this is how liberty dies? With thunderous applause*

[@lorefox201]

liberty had been dead for a while when Caesar got into the scene, not even Sulla could save the Republic and he acted as an exemplary Roman dictator leaving office the second it wasn't necessary for him to hold it anymore. "BuT hE KiLlEd HiS PoLiTiCal RiValS!" His political rivals were a lodge of snakes, the fact that he clearly didn't kill enought of them is the reason the repubblic fell. By when Caesar enters the scene it's a rotten zombie still walking. Historia Will Say constantly "this and that that Caesar or Octavian did destroyed Roman politics" but they litterally did nothing the elite before them hadn't already done but worse.

[@BBC-dq3ki]

Good thing I just rewatched the Roman history playlist over the past few days. PSA: I’ve been falling asleep to them and it gives me some crazy dreams where I’m a Roman Statesman and am fighting not to be murdered by Clodius.

[@G_Kchrst]

I live in Preveza, in the straits of Actium, between the ruins of Actia Nicopolis (meaning the city of victory) that Octavian build to honor his victory at Actium. The city would be the biggest Roman city in Greece and would reach more than 150.000 citizens and it would still remain an important Byzantine city till 1204 AC that it was destroyed by the Bulgarians. Octavian also brought back the Actian Games from Ancient Greek times and they were made the biggest sports event for a while (bigger than the Olympic Games).

[@kaiserrektor9365]

Agrippa truly deserves to be the red square

[@kaylethstarbane7800]

Love that you give Agrippa the credit he deserves. Dude was a boss, perhaps one of the greatest Roman commanders ever. Agrippa reminds me a lot of Labienus, but much more loyal.

[@IDontKnow-dl3lq]

labienus is beta version agrippa is full release

[@shahmatsimplex4144]

Agrippa fought a 20th century war in the 1st century BC. A military genius ahead of his time. Credit to Octavian for letting Agrippa do what he needed to. Antony was clueless as to what was happening to him and thus ended up losing.

[@andrewsteeves6982]

So happy to be watching the premiere for this famous battle. Thank you, HistoriaCivilis!

[@CreepsMcPasta]

I swear 'holding Greece for a civil war' was like the 'taking Russia in the winter' of ancient times

[@Blazo_Djurovic]

It did work for Sula's faction though in the first Roman civil war.

[@TarixIstCool]

this duo of Octavian the politician and Agrippa the soldier is perhaps one of the best in history

[@Emporkommling]

No one man could succeed Caesar, especially not Marc Anthony, but Agrippa and Agustus met that impossibly high standard together.

[@hebinpun5001]

Bro not kidding ur music choice and more importantly when u utilise is just mwuha

[@Negativvv]

The Battle of Actium has a weird place in my life as I watched S2 of Rome at exactly the time that life slapped me down hard so I can sort of see how Antony felt at the time. 3 years later I'm still trying to dig my way out but haven't fallen on my sword at least...

[@diegonatan6301]

Not fallen on your sword, only into whine and whoring I guess. :)

[@shawnjavery]

I feel that, everything since I've felt since I graduated from college is regret for missed opportunities and bitterness for the success of others. Yet life still carries on and you have to walk forward.

[@colinmerritt7645]

Perhaps you should ask Tribune Aqilla for help.

[@jonny-b4954]

Marc Antony has always been one of my favorites in history. Especially Roman history. His story is a really incredible tale. And I wonder what the real story is. So many things are really speculation and just us assuming what sounds most reasonable/likely. Amazing video as always though Historia Civilis.

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

To me, Mark Antony seems like the enigma of enigmas in Roman history.

[@nikolatortevski9889]

@@AbbeyRoadkill1 same, he's kind of a Roman legend though he was 100% real

[@zephyr32]

Thank you so much for the effort you put in for these videos! These have been some of the few videos that I have been very excited for for the past year, and I really enjoy learning more about Ancient Rome in an easily digestible and interesting but not dramatized way.

[@SYSRQLLQRSYS]

The music matches well with the chaos ensuing much like the downfall of characters in mafia movies.

[@ZandarKoad]

I think he waits so long between videos so that more history can happen.

[@araposkulo]

Octavian's diplomacy and Agrippa's strategy. What an incredibly efficient duo!

[@matziviri2866]

For reasons I can't really grasp (I assume for the sake of time, perhaps it will come up in a future video) HC leaves one thing out here: the negative impact Cleopatras presence had on Antonys campaign. It confirmed the image of Antony as the duped servant of a foreign queen, which Octavian had worked to create. After the battle poets would write about this. Virgil: 'Antony, with barbaric wealth and exotic arms... bringing with him Egypt and the strength of the Orient...and there follows - the shame! - his Egyptian wife.' Further, it likely had an impact on the morale of his Roman troops and officers, who would not have taken kindly to a woman exercising authority in a war.

[@BeefyTacoCS]

It has been touched on multiple times in previous videos. Her presence was always seen as foreign interference, even during Caeser's days.

[@matziviri2866]

@@BeefyTacoCS No, the specific impact on the Actium campaign has not been touched that many times before, and when it was touched on it was very brief.

[@BeefyTacoCS]

@@matziviri2866It was touched on multiple times in general. She essentially had a negative impact on every one of her ally's campaigns that she was a part of. Not only that, she was notorious for abandoning battles and fleeing. Her presence at Actium was no different than the previous scenario.

[@matziviri2866]

@@BeefyTacoCS "It was touched on multiple times in general." So we agree then that the specific impact on Actium was not covered previously. "Not only that, she was notorious for abandoning battles and fleeing." Please elaborate.

[@BeefyTacoCS]

@@matziviri2866 Cleopatra fled something like 3 or more battles with Antony aswell as doing the same thing to Caesar. As to the battle being effected by Cleopatra, this again was already touched upon MULTIPLE times in detail. She had a negative effect on EVERY campaign she was a part of. There was nothing unique about her efforts in Actium that would require wasting more time on the subject. Rome wholeheartedly looked down on Egypt and specifically Cleopatra the entire time they were players in the game. You demanding to know more about that (and more specifically in terms of this battle) is just silly.

[@811chelseafc]

Anyone else feel like Agrippa is Batman and Octavian is Robin?

[@rj-the-red6767]

The wait for the new episode is like waiting for a new elder scroll game. A long, and hard wait, but when they get here you rewatch it 10 times

[@user-rg7uz8of9r]

upload

[@chjxb]

Thanks for pointing out the importance of Methone and logistics

[@lordhosk]

Historia Civilis is the Agrippa of KZbin! THINK ABOUUUUUT IT!

[@spencer9819]

Just wanted to say congratulations. Your channel was in the newspaper as a recommendation for worth watching Roman history.

[@captaincole4511]

In the words of Napoleon, "Armatures study tactics, Professionals Study Logistics." Agrippa was a master at both

[@R.a.f.a.e.l.]

Too bad that he went ahead with invading Russia anyways 😂😂 (Napoleon)

[@captaincole4511]

@@R.a.f.a.e.l. yeah what he didn’t take into account was the winter

[@jenniferholmstrom4134]

the music this time was perfect. you always make masterpieces.

[@Dino_Master616]

This man only makes bangers

[@4partharmony208]

Agrippa was every bit Caesar's military heir. No other men could have upended Roman military orthodoxy when the situation called for it. Far and away the most underrated Roman of his age

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

That’s why he inherited the red box instead of Octavian

[@kohgoomah0105]

Where are you my man. Historia Civilis withdrawals

[@connor4955]

I am going to get worried after today and if he doesn’t update his website

[@nacelnikprosiak1260]

16:45 damn... imagine the rush of emotions that guy had, he just lost not only his army but also any chance to become emperor of rome. Just sitting there looking at waves not being able to stop thinking about it

[@TheTodarac]

Legitimately excited to see these videos released. Just a week ago, I listened to a "Hardcore History Addendum" with Dan Carlin and a guest talking about the Battle of Actium. Their podcast was over an hour long, and yet you managed to describe a better picture of the scene (in a geopolitical / tactical sense) and more of the juicy details in a 22 minute video. All of this is really helpful in providing a "3D view" of what this period of history might have been like. P.S. the futurama-esque entrance of Agrippa gets me every time haha

[@alexandrub8786]

The visuals also help with that,i would imagine.

[@3bigperm3]

You’ve really fallen in love with the sound of your own voice and perspective over the course of these videos

[@nathaniel1069]

His older videos were much better

[@mohammadyeasinkhan6885]

A lot of people think that Antony is somewhat of a "lucky" and mildly-skilled general but if you think about it, the man is pretty smart when it comes to the broader strategic game, if his plan actually worked that is.

[@michaeldunn5337]

Nah, imma give u an L on that one. In my humble opinion, there are several problems with that idea. 1 When antony served under Caesar and built his resume, Caesar had arguably put him and all the other soldiers in a good position in every battle. Therefore, none of Antonys successes here can be attributed to him, since Caesar is no question a better general. If u disagree with that point respectfully have a nice day. 2 to my knowledge Antony never commanded any battle and won against any commander more experienced or better than him. 3 when Caesar helped antony gain command and authority in the senate, antony miserably failed in dealing with unrest in the city and did have to bring roman soldiers to rome to kill civilians, not that strategic here either. 4 Antonys parthian campaign was a massive strategic failure. Even if u argue antony had good strategic planning and ideas for winning the campaign, which i do not agree, it was not very smart or strategically viable to hold parthias massive amount of territory over the long term. Therefore, fighting the campaign was a bad strategic decision with a massive opportunity cost that ultimately destroyed his military strategic game for the rest of his life. 5 The battle of actium would arguably have gone better had antony attacked agrippa instead of Octavian first when they both pursued him in greece. Although Octavian was a threat, he was not as skilled a general as agrippa, and could not have as effectively commanded against and defeated antony, thus giving antony a better chance to win if agrippa was permanently defeated, whereas the same is not as true with octavian gone. 6 The donations of alexandria was a terrible strategic move for antony for several reasons. Antony promised to his children territory he didn't have, which alienates foreign enemies and nations based around said territory disputes. Claiming Octavian was not Caesars only heir alienated Octavians faction and led to war before antony was ready for it, especially bad strategically considering Octavian knew arguably more about Antonys faction than anyone because they both fought together at phillipi and Octavian did little commanding but rather watched antony command most of the battle. 7 Octavian had promised to supply antony soldiers after his parthian defeat, so it is again very bad that antony alienated Octavians faction because it is known fact between them both antony is short the requested amount of soldiers in his army, if not short many more. This is a huge strategic weakness and not considering this differently beforehand to choose a different approach might have cost antony the war. 9 Cleopatra supplied many of the soldiers, food, and other supplies for antonys armies. Although this seems minor, consider that antony has to now get Cleopatras approval for important decisions which has massive repercussions. Antony has to winter in Egypt with Cleopatra to make sure of her cooperation, leaving roman territory vulnerable for too long until it is attacked by parthia and the local governor executed. 10 Arguably, it was a bad strategic decision to stay in Egypt especially for such a long time, or maybe even a bad idea for antony to ally with Egypt at all, because the alliance had risk of being broken and leaving antony even more vulnerable. Probably, antony was more inclined to accept and go along with this because of his affection and love for Cleopatra, and this could explain some of the poor strategic judgements by antony during this time. Antony probably just trusted Cleopatra too much, and she had too much control and influence over some of Antonys decisions, and vice versa. This romance caused a problematic dynamic in which the 2 leaders might have had too much significant difficulty separating work and personal matters. With all due respect, where u at?

[@tenthweb]

Best Saturnalia present ever

[@libertyprime7911]

Oh, right, the 17th!

[@jffry890]

Right? Who'da thunk we get FOUR WHOLE VIDEOS in one year?

[@IDontKnow-dl3lq]

i miss you historia civilis its been 3 months

[@gabrielsps]

I miss this squares so bad 😪

[@qeetyuiop]

There is nothing worse than having watched a new Historia Civilis upload and knowing you have to wait for the next one. Amazing video as always

[@achtungvolk7807]

Absolutely, unequivocally, one of the best History channels in existence. It’s almost better that the uploads are so infrequent. It only adds to the overall quality 💯.

[@marckyle5895]

Chose slow quality over quick crap everytime. Or you start looking like History Channel.nowdays

[@joelcolegrove]

This is the wildest New Vegas fanfiction I've ever seen... but seriously I love your Caesar series. I discovered it yesterday and I've been binging it since then.

[@LightShady]

Ok, you've had you're fun now. Release the next video for the rest of us now please.

[@SheShe-zs6po]

Dw its today

[@Joker-yw9hl]

I think there may have been a plan to set sail with the treasure during battle if all seemed lost, but I am 100% convinced that Cleopatra set off by her own accord and essentially betrayed Antony. That is why he was distraught, compounded further by him knowing that swimming after your foreign wife and abandoning your men is not the best look - and then cemented by realising that he just lost the war and his time is up. I think what hurt him most though was the betrayal of Cleopatra, who no doubt had excuses like "I was doing what we planned" when it's quite obvious she hadn't

[@fireflyredux3373]

Agrippa is be the definition of "amateur's talk strategy, professionals talk logistics" and it never ceases to amaze me of his imagination.

[@revanofkorriban1505]

No, the saying is, "Amateurs talk TACTICS." Strategy incorporates logistics; they are one, not separate.

[@fireflyredux3373]

@@revanofkorriban1505 Eh, Semantics. However, Strategy doesn't always incorporate Logistics, I mean look at late war WW2 Germany lol

[@revanofkorriban1505]

@@fireflyredux3373 That was lack of strategy. It's not semantics at all. Logistics IS strategy. It is not for nothing that the Wehrmacht in 1943 is described to have fought a "defense without strategy." Logistics was improving overall as the Germans fell back into range of their supply lines, by the way.

[@cartmann94]

Last time I was this early, Marc Anthony still had an empire and a fleet under his rule.

[@PragmaticAntithesis]

...and on this episode of the "Agrippa is seriously that cool" show!

[@leonvoelker7639]

Agrippa carried so hard. I can only imagine how many losses in history he could turn into clear win. Absolute Military genius.

[@troyhutchinson615]

Genuinely my favorite channel on KZbin thank you for getting me into ancient history previously all I consumed was American history. This channel has been so beneficial to my mental progress

[@subodeibaghatur4300]

😢 Its been a whole 3 months...