ABSTRACT
Octavian’s defeat of Antony and Cleopatra at the naval battle off Actium in 31 bce settled the future of Rome and the empire. Octavian was looking forward to enhancing his image by leading Cleopatra in his triumph in Rome but she and Antony committed suicide in Alexandria. He now stood alone with the name of Caesar, a name which ensured the loyalty of over 50 legions and an oath of allegiance from the whole of Italy. He was to make a great deal of the name and his status as the son of the god Julius.
