Octavian’s Propaganda and Actium Retreat

Octavian seized Antony’s will from the Vestal Virgins—illegally—and read it aloud in the Senate,

highlighting provisions that favored Cleopatra and her children. War was declared—not against Antony,

but “against Cleopatra,” framing the conflict as a defense of Rome against Eastern corruption.

At the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, Cleopatra commanded her own fleet of 60 ships,

fighting alongside Antony’s forces. When the battle turned against them—largely due to Agrippa’s

superior tactics and the defection of key allies—Cleopatra made the controversial decision to withdraw

her squadron. Some historians view this as cowardice; others, as a strategic retreat

to preserve Egypt’s naval assets.