The War That Made the Roman Empire

Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium

By: Barry Strauss

Narrated by: Jacques Roy

A “splendid” (The Wall Street Journal) account of one of history’s most important and yet little-known wars, the campaign culminating in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, whose outcome determined the future of the Roman Empire.

Following Caesar’s assassination and Mark Antony’s defeat of the conspirators who killed Caesar, two powerful men remained in Rome—Antony and Caesar’s chosen heir, young Octavian, the future Augustus. When Antony fell in love with the most powerful woman in the world, Egypt’s ruler Cleopatra, and thwarted Octavian’s ambition to rule the empire, another civil war broke out. In 31 BC one of the largest naval battles in the ancient world took place—more than 600 ships, almost 200,000 men, and one woman—the Battle of Actium. Octavian prevailed over Antony and Cleopatra, who subsequently killed themselves.

The Battle of Actium had great consequences for the empire. Had Antony and Cleopatra won, the empire’s capital might have moved from Rome to Alexandria, Cleopatra’s capital, and Latin might have become the empire’s second language after Greek, which was spoken throughout the eastern Mediterranean, including Egypt.

In this “superbly recounted” (The National Review) history, Barry Strauss, ancient history authority, describes this consequential battle with the drama and expertise that it deserves. The War That Made the Roman Empire is essential history that features three of the greatest figures of the ancient world.

A historic drama for the ages

Strauss distills the drama of this historic hinge point in such a rousing way that does justice to its significance and he engages in “what if”s had the events unfolded differently.

Phenomenal re-interpretention

I consider myself very knowledgeable about the Rome and more particularly about the transition between republic and empire and this book has shown light onto actors and actions in ways that I had never thought-off or heard-off. The performance of the narration was superb and made a pleasure to listen to. I would highly recommend this book, author, and narrator.

The battle that turned the world and rise of the Roman Empire.

Fantastic read and knowledge of the crucial battle. Good and well written information and great information to listen and read. Narrator awesome.

Another excellent lesson on my favorite historical period.

Anytime I read a work like this I’m looking for a little more depth in hopes of learning new things. This book delivered. Well written and effectively read. Kudos!

Delivers exactly what it says.

A great focus’s on just Actium and the players of that conflict. Very enjoyable listen.