Roman Civil Wars: Antony Flees at Actium

September 2, 31 BC - Mark Antony's fleet is destroyed at the Battle of Actium. Following several years of increasing tensions, Octavian and Mark Antony began open warfare in 31 BC. Squaring off on land near Actium in Greece, the two were unable to score a victory. At sea, Octavian's navy, ably led by Marcus Agrippa, was able to effectively blockade Antony and Cleopatra causing supply issues. Emerging from Actium on September 2, Antony's fleet engaged Agrippa in a protracted battle. The fight turned when Cleopatra abruptly departed with the 60-ship Egyptian squadron. Seeing his lover leaving, Antony followed with 40 ships. Their ranks badly reduced, Antony's remaining ships either fled or surrendered to Agrippa. The victory at Actium caused a widespread loss of support for Antony and allowed Octavian to gain the upper hand. The following year Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide as Octavian's forces closed in on Alexandria. Octavian's triumph made him the sole ruler of Rome and began the transition from republic to empire.