1 00:00:07,384 --> 00:00:08,382 - [Narrator] When Julius Caesar was 2 00:00:08,382 --> 00:00:10,011 assassinated in 44 BC, 3 00:00:10,011 --> 00:00:12,294 he left a coveted inheritance. 4 00:00:12,294 --> 00:00:13,879 The power of Rome stretched across 5 00:00:13,879 --> 00:00:16,325 the entire Mediterranean region. 6 00:00:16,325 --> 00:00:18,658 This was just the beginning. 7 00:00:23,147 --> 00:00:25,685 Caesar's heirs, Octavian his adoptive son, 8 00:00:25,685 --> 00:00:27,605 and Marc Antony his right hand man 9 00:00:27,605 --> 00:00:28,943 set aside their differences 10 00:00:28,943 --> 00:00:30,110 to avenge him. 11 00:00:31,372 --> 00:00:32,517 United against the republicans, 12 00:00:32,517 --> 00:00:34,372 they punished Caesar's murderers 13 00:00:34,372 --> 00:00:35,968 Brutus and Cassius with the Battle 14 00:00:35,968 --> 00:00:37,801 of Philippi in Greece. 15 00:00:39,185 --> 00:00:40,272 Victory legitimized their power 16 00:00:40,272 --> 00:00:44,318 and determined their areas of influence. 17 00:00:44,318 --> 00:00:45,636 Octavian obtained the western provinces 18 00:00:45,636 --> 00:00:49,553 and the task of solving Rome's internal issues. 19 00:00:50,396 --> 00:00:52,006 Antony, as the architect of the victory, 20 00:00:52,006 --> 00:00:53,415 took the eastern provinces, 21 00:00:53,415 --> 00:00:55,998 the richest part of the empire. 22 00:00:58,122 --> 00:00:59,747 His mission, to conquer new territories 23 00:00:59,747 --> 00:01:01,580 with the aid of Egypt. 24 00:01:04,004 --> 00:01:07,004 Antony set out to win over Cleopatra 25 00:02:47,959 --> 00:02:49,239 Contrary to protocol, 26 00:02:49,239 --> 00:02:50,481 Cleopatra didn't meet Antony 27 00:02:50,481 --> 00:02:51,956 as he disembarked. 28 00:02:51,956 --> 00:02:53,498 Instead she invited him to dine 29 00:02:53,498 --> 00:02:55,581 onboard her royal galley. 30 00:05:11,948 --> 00:05:15,281 Antony followed Cleopatra through Egypt. 31 00:05:20,816 --> 00:05:22,029 This compelling encounter evolved 32 00:05:22,029 --> 00:05:24,529 into a passionate love affair. 33 00:05:25,762 --> 00:05:26,761 In Alexandria, 34 00:05:26,761 --> 00:05:28,590 Antony rested leading a luxurious 35 00:05:28,590 --> 00:05:31,090 lifestyle at Cleopatra's side. 36 00:05:32,002 --> 00:05:33,556 As a sovereign of 10 years' standing, 37 00:05:33,556 --> 00:05:35,287 she ruled over the largest kingdom 38 00:05:35,287 --> 00:05:37,364 in the ancient Greek empire 39 00:05:37,364 --> 00:05:38,742 while Antony occupied the finest post 40 00:05:38,742 --> 00:05:40,325 in the Roman world. 41 00:05:48,908 --> 00:05:50,832 Brilliant, cultured, and attractive, 42 00:05:50,832 --> 00:05:52,458 Antony and Cleopatra believed 43 00:05:52,458 --> 00:05:55,041 they were fated to be together. 44 00:05:57,028 --> 00:05:58,189 Every day they showered each other 45 00:05:58,189 --> 00:06:00,628 with boundless gifts and pleasures. 46 00:06:00,628 --> 00:06:01,905 Cleopatra was never at a loss 47 00:06:01,905 --> 00:06:03,250 to provide a new kind of activity 48 00:06:03,250 --> 00:06:05,917 or performance to entertain him. 49 00:06:07,864 --> 00:06:09,641 The queen of Egypt and Rome's greatest warrior 50 00:06:09,641 --> 00:06:12,808 fell equally under each other's spell. 51 00:06:14,044 --> 00:06:15,288 Wholly enamored, one never 52 00:06:15,288 --> 00:06:17,121 left the other's side. 53 00:06:39,670 --> 00:06:41,079 Shared political interests had little 54 00:06:41,079 --> 00:06:43,145 to do with their bond. 55 00:06:43,145 --> 00:06:44,765 Antony and Cleopatra fell in love 56 00:06:44,765 --> 00:06:48,098 because of who they both were as people. 57 00:06:50,165 --> 00:06:51,604 Though in Egypt Antony didn't neglect 58 00:06:51,604 --> 00:06:54,854 his fortune and assets in the east. 59 00:06:54,854 --> 00:06:56,015 He had entrusted them to his family 60 00:06:56,015 --> 00:06:57,765 before his departure. 61 00:06:59,794 --> 00:07:01,553 But they were now at war with Octavian 62 00:07:01,553 --> 00:07:04,134 whose ambitions were plain to see. 63 00:07:04,134 --> 00:07:07,134 He wanted Antony's lands and armies. 64 00:07:09,018 --> 00:07:10,262 The new situation forced Antony 65 00:07:10,262 --> 00:07:12,780 to return to Rome after one year. 66 00:07:12,780 --> 00:07:14,280 Even if it meant putting on hold 67 00:07:14,280 --> 00:07:16,863 his undying love for Cleopatra. 68 00:07:19,576 --> 00:07:21,162 He led an armada of 200 ships 69 00:07:21,162 --> 00:07:23,490 with the aim of personally restoring order 70 00:07:23,490 --> 00:07:24,740 in his affairs. 71 00:07:26,010 --> 00:07:28,659 The fearful Octavian had cause for concern. 72 00:07:28,659 --> 00:07:32,242 Antony had known victory in countless wars. 73 00:07:44,490 --> 00:07:46,582 Octavian proposed reconciliation. 74 00:07:46,582 --> 00:07:48,624 A smartly thought out political arrangement 75 00:07:48,624 --> 00:07:52,041 which would be hard for Antony to accept. 76 00:08:02,356 --> 00:08:03,645 To seal their new alliance, 77 00:08:03,645 --> 00:08:05,206 Octavian offered Antony the hand 78 00:08:05,206 --> 00:08:06,641 of his favorite sister, 79 00:08:06,641 --> 00:08:08,391 the discrete Octavia. 80 00:08:35,984 --> 00:08:37,234 Through this arranged marriage, 81 00:08:37,234 --> 00:08:40,067 they became members of one family. 82 00:08:45,381 --> 00:08:47,099 Rome exhausted by constant warring 83 00:08:47,099 --> 00:08:49,266 breathed a sigh of relief. 84 00:09:06,181 --> 00:09:07,696 Antony spent three years at the side 85 00:09:07,696 --> 00:09:09,410 of Octavian's sister. 86 00:09:09,410 --> 00:09:12,910 His heart torn by the memory of Cleopatra. 87 00:09:15,335 --> 00:09:16,652 He reminded Octavian of their tasks 88 00:09:16,652 --> 00:09:20,043 decided when the empire was divided. 89 00:09:20,043 --> 00:09:21,488 In the west, Octavian was to rid 90 00:09:21,488 --> 00:09:23,392 Italy of Sextus Pompey 91 00:09:23,392 --> 00:09:25,738 and his troublesome bands of pirates. 92 00:09:25,738 --> 00:09:26,737 While in the east, 93 00:09:26,737 --> 00:09:27,980 Antony was defeat Parthia 94 00:09:27,980 --> 00:09:31,686 in order to continue Caesar's conquests. 95 00:09:31,686 --> 00:09:33,795 Each would help the other. 96 00:09:33,795 --> 00:09:35,225 Antony by sending ships to Octavian, 97 00:09:35,225 --> 00:09:38,975 Octavian by dispatching 20,000 men to Antony. 98 00:09:39,971 --> 00:09:42,304 Antony returned to the east. 99 00:10:11,961 --> 00:10:13,439 When Antony rejoined Cleopatra, 100 00:10:13,439 --> 00:10:16,022 none of their passion had died. 101 00:10:20,440 --> 00:10:21,738 With the sweetness of life in Egypt, 102 00:10:21,738 --> 00:10:23,649 he was confronted by two antagonistic 103 00:10:23,649 --> 00:10:25,563 visions of the world. 104 00:10:25,563 --> 00:10:26,730 East and west. 105 00:10:28,468 --> 00:10:30,067 Torn between Roman and Greek culture, 106 00:10:30,067 --> 00:10:31,817 Antony had to choose. 107 00:10:33,592 --> 00:10:34,592 At that point, 108 00:10:34,592 --> 00:10:37,998 he didn't know he would never return to Rome. 109 00:10:37,998 --> 00:10:41,102 Here he led the life of an eastern prince. 110 00:10:41,102 --> 00:10:43,710 Rome criticized him, that he knew. 111 00:10:43,710 --> 00:10:46,127 But he paid little attention. 112 00:11:10,272 --> 00:11:12,783 The historian Appian tells us Cleopatra 113 00:11:12,783 --> 00:11:14,686 gave him a splendid welcome 114 00:11:14,686 --> 00:11:16,237 and he spent the winter without 115 00:11:16,237 --> 00:11:18,308 bearing the insignia of his command, 116 00:11:18,308 --> 00:11:19,717 living according to the customs 117 00:11:19,717 --> 00:11:22,387 and lifestyle of a simple man. 118 00:11:22,387 --> 00:11:23,496 He set aside the concerns 119 00:11:23,496 --> 00:11:24,831 and functions of a general 120 00:11:24,831 --> 00:11:26,468 and began to wear the square toga 121 00:11:26,468 --> 00:11:28,199 of the Greeks rather than that 122 00:11:28,199 --> 00:11:30,587 of his own homeland. 123 00:11:30,587 --> 00:11:31,643 He spent his days visiting temples 124 00:11:31,643 --> 00:11:33,551 and gymnasiums and in discussions 125 00:11:33,551 --> 00:11:35,051 with philosophers. 126 00:11:35,923 --> 00:11:36,925 He passed time with Greeks 127 00:11:36,925 --> 00:11:38,056 in the company of Cleopatra 128 00:11:38,056 --> 00:11:40,223 whose side he rarely left. 129 00:12:07,427 --> 00:12:09,723 Sun and moon, Alexander Helios 130 00:12:09,723 --> 00:12:12,241 and Cleopatra Selene their twins 131 00:12:12,241 --> 00:12:15,089 were born during Antony's absence. 132 00:12:15,089 --> 00:12:18,172 Finally together, they began to bond. 133 00:12:23,271 --> 00:12:24,344 Together they enjoyed the pleasures 134 00:12:24,344 --> 00:12:26,057 of eastern life as part of a group 135 00:12:26,057 --> 00:12:27,180 of idol rich, 136 00:12:27,180 --> 00:12:29,790 the so called Order of the Inimitable Life 137 00:12:29,790 --> 00:12:31,104 defined those who lived 138 00:12:31,104 --> 00:12:32,358 on a par with the gods 139 00:12:32,358 --> 00:12:34,108 in luxury and excess. 140 00:12:46,675 --> 00:12:48,295 But Antony remained a warrior 141 00:12:48,295 --> 00:12:50,239 and he recalled his mission in the east 142 00:12:50,239 --> 00:12:52,224 to conquer Parthia. 143 00:12:52,224 --> 00:12:54,656 Antony asked Cleopatra for her support. 144 00:12:54,656 --> 00:12:56,102 She provided him with large quantities 145 00:12:56,102 --> 00:13:00,269 of gold, equipment, men, and (inaudible). 146 00:13:01,320 --> 00:13:02,550 All he needed now were the 20,000 men 147 00:13:02,550 --> 00:13:04,726 promised by Octavian in exchange 148 00:13:04,726 --> 00:13:06,479 for the ships Antony had already sent 149 00:13:06,479 --> 00:13:08,312 for the war on piracy. 150 00:13:10,988 --> 00:13:13,357 But Octavian had other things on his mind. 151 00:13:13,357 --> 00:13:15,690 His own mission in the west. 152 00:13:31,155 --> 00:13:32,987 Octavian fought against Sextus Pompey, 153 00:13:32,987 --> 00:13:34,629 master of Sicily, 154 00:13:34,629 --> 00:13:36,501 whose huge pirate fleet had cut off Italy 155 00:13:36,501 --> 00:13:39,418 forcing the price of grain to soar. 156 00:13:48,452 --> 00:13:49,856 Octavian wanted to reward the people 157 00:13:49,856 --> 00:13:51,821 with a resounding victory. 158 00:13:51,821 --> 00:13:53,448 One which would confine Antony's at Philippi 159 00:13:53,448 --> 00:13:54,920 six years earlier to memory. 160 00:13:54,920 --> 00:13:57,503 To do so, he turned to Agrippa. 161 00:15:27,187 --> 00:15:28,493 The Harpax consisted of a two meter 162 00:15:28,493 --> 00:15:30,895 length of wood with an iron grip 163 00:15:30,895 --> 00:15:32,701 fixed to the end linked to a cable. 164 00:15:32,701 --> 00:15:34,697 This was fired by a catapult 165 00:15:34,697 --> 00:15:36,417 onto an enemy vessel which was 166 00:15:36,417 --> 00:15:38,667 then reeled in and boarded. 167 00:15:46,760 --> 00:15:48,271 In spite of their superior speed 168 00:15:48,271 --> 00:15:49,333 and maneuverability, 169 00:15:49,333 --> 00:15:52,416 the enemy ships became sitting ducks. 170 00:16:03,660 --> 00:16:05,498 Agrippa lost only three ships in the battle 171 00:16:05,498 --> 00:16:06,915 while sinking 28. 172 00:16:17,530 --> 00:16:18,976 Octavian had completed his task 173 00:16:18,976 --> 00:16:22,309 and strengthened his hold over the west. 174 00:16:23,680 --> 00:16:25,062 He had delivered peace to Rome 175 00:16:25,062 --> 00:16:26,411 and brought down the price of bread 176 00:16:26,411 --> 00:16:28,161 by three immediately. 177 00:16:46,105 --> 00:16:48,465 Antony had rushed into war against the Parthians. 178 00:16:48,465 --> 00:16:50,471 He engaged the enemy on several occasions 179 00:16:50,471 --> 00:16:53,350 but the bravura of his men wasn't enough 180 00:16:53,350 --> 00:16:56,350 and he met with defeat after defeat. 181 00:16:58,076 --> 00:16:59,574 Exhausted by this difficult campaign, 182 00:16:59,574 --> 00:17:02,657 Antony lost a large part of his army. 183 00:17:16,975 --> 00:17:19,128 Octavia, Antony's estranged wife, 184 00:17:19,128 --> 00:17:20,567 eager to help her husband, 185 00:17:20,567 --> 00:17:22,588 nevertheless persuaded Octavian 186 00:17:22,588 --> 00:17:25,954 to send 2,000 men as reinforcements. 187 00:17:25,954 --> 00:17:27,126 The devoted Octavia accompanied 188 00:17:27,126 --> 00:17:28,961 the convoy herself to Athens 189 00:17:28,961 --> 00:17:31,134 but Antony furious at not receiving 190 00:17:31,134 --> 00:17:32,887 the 20,000 promised men, 191 00:17:32,887 --> 00:17:35,096 refused to see her and repudiated her 192 00:17:35,096 --> 00:17:36,263 at a distance. 193 00:17:37,152 --> 00:17:38,492 Such a terrible affront confirmed 194 00:17:38,492 --> 00:17:41,659 the split between Antony and Octavian. 195 00:17:51,429 --> 00:17:52,431 In Alexandria, 196 00:17:52,431 --> 00:17:53,832 Antony organized a theatrical 197 00:17:53,832 --> 00:17:56,415 eastern style victory ceremony. 198 00:17:58,457 --> 00:17:59,455 At the end of the event, 199 00:17:59,455 --> 00:18:01,132 Antony bequeathed the eastern provinces 200 00:18:01,132 --> 00:18:03,118 to Cleopatra's children, his own, 201 00:18:03,118 --> 00:18:05,035 and Caesar's Caesarian. 202 00:18:08,164 --> 00:18:09,732 The aim of founding a dynasty 203 00:18:09,732 --> 00:18:11,860 was to maintain unity in the empire 204 00:18:11,860 --> 00:18:14,672 in spite of its huge disparities. 205 00:18:14,672 --> 00:18:15,691 The merging of Greece culture 206 00:18:15,691 --> 00:18:16,862 to those of Asia minor 207 00:18:16,862 --> 00:18:19,145 would be the cement. 208 00:18:19,145 --> 00:18:21,112 These so called donations of Alexandria 209 00:18:21,112 --> 00:18:22,332 spoke of the future, 210 00:18:22,332 --> 00:18:24,331 even of the lands yet to be conquered, 211 00:18:24,331 --> 00:18:28,414 but in Rome these had a very different resonance. 212 00:23:53,092 --> 00:23:54,595 Octavian brilliantly held himself 213 00:23:54,595 --> 00:23:56,698 up as the defender of Roman-ness 214 00:23:56,698 --> 00:23:58,233 and disguised a new civil war 215 00:23:58,233 --> 00:24:00,624 as war against a foreign enemy. 216 00:24:00,624 --> 00:24:02,607 Rome against Egypt but in other words, 217 00:24:02,607 --> 00:24:04,607 Octavian against Antony. 218 00:24:12,034 --> 00:24:13,043 Octavian dedicated himself 219 00:24:13,043 --> 00:24:15,083 to building up his fleet. 220 00:24:15,083 --> 00:24:16,972 His victory against Sextus Pompey 221 00:24:16,972 --> 00:24:18,403 had given him new found faith 222 00:24:18,403 --> 00:24:20,177 in naval warfare. 223 00:24:20,177 --> 00:24:21,743 More and more he began to imagine himself 224 00:24:21,743 --> 00:24:23,576 as sole ruler of Rome. 225 00:24:25,357 --> 00:24:26,592 His patient and meticulous propaganda 226 00:24:26,592 --> 00:24:29,734 campaign against Antony was bearing fruit. 227 00:24:29,734 --> 00:24:30,910 Public opinion backed him 228 00:24:30,910 --> 00:24:34,327 as did his two trusted childhood friends. 229 00:24:41,697 --> 00:24:42,963 Agrippa with his naval experience 230 00:24:42,963 --> 00:24:44,658 took charge of technical aspects 231 00:24:44,658 --> 00:24:46,717 while his other friend Gaius Maecenas 232 00:24:46,717 --> 00:24:49,550 brought him much needed financing. 233 00:24:56,616 --> 00:24:57,614 Informed by their spies 234 00:24:57,614 --> 00:24:59,007 of Octavian's preparations, 235 00:24:59,007 --> 00:25:00,605 Antony and Cleopatra knew that 236 00:25:00,605 --> 00:25:02,188 war was inevitable. 237 00:25:39,311 --> 00:25:40,599 It would be a crazy gamble. 238 00:25:40,599 --> 00:25:43,217 No one had ever dared to attack Rome itself. 239 00:25:43,217 --> 00:25:45,656 But Antony was a man who rose to a challenge. 240 00:25:45,656 --> 00:25:46,915 If the element of surprise proved 241 00:25:46,915 --> 00:25:47,982 to be a success, 242 00:25:47,982 --> 00:25:49,417 Antony and Cleopatra would become 243 00:25:49,417 --> 00:25:51,263 sole masters of the Roman empire 244 00:25:51,263 --> 00:25:54,513 purely by seeking to defend themselves. 245 00:26:02,461 --> 00:26:03,896 Their imposing fleet built at great 246 00:26:03,896 --> 00:26:05,300 expense put to sea. 247 00:26:05,300 --> 00:26:07,385 It numbered 500 heavy warships 248 00:26:07,385 --> 00:26:10,000 and 300 transport and cargo ships. 249 00:26:10,000 --> 00:26:11,575 Antony and Cleopatra had embarked 250 00:26:11,575 --> 00:26:13,775 with 75,000 infantrymen, 251 00:26:13,775 --> 00:26:15,743 25,000 auxiliaries, 252 00:26:15,743 --> 00:26:17,933 and 12,000 cavalrymen. 253 00:26:17,933 --> 00:26:19,482 But also part of the treasure of Egypt 254 00:26:19,482 --> 00:26:20,732 as a war chest. 255 00:26:41,140 --> 00:26:42,765 But the fleet hit bad weather. 256 00:26:42,765 --> 00:26:44,202 Antony decided to seek haven 257 00:26:44,202 --> 00:26:46,869 in the Ambracian Gulf in Greece. 258 00:26:50,336 --> 00:26:51,955 It was ideal for wintering. 259 00:26:51,955 --> 00:26:53,483 It was a large open stretch of water 260 00:26:53,483 --> 00:26:55,233 linked with the sea through a strait 261 00:26:55,233 --> 00:26:57,983 overlooked by the port of Actium. 262 00:27:37,448 --> 00:27:39,043 The majority of resupplying and refitting 263 00:27:39,043 --> 00:27:41,100 was naval so Antony needed 264 00:27:41,100 --> 00:27:43,987 to hold two islands crucial to this. 265 00:27:43,987 --> 00:27:46,838 Corfu formerly Corcyra and Methoni. 266 00:27:46,838 --> 00:27:50,588 The survival of his vast camp depended on it. 267 00:28:18,782 --> 00:28:20,407 Octavian decided to come to Agrippa's aid. 268 00:28:20,407 --> 00:28:22,196 He sailed north for Panormos 269 00:28:22,196 --> 00:28:24,622 and then Corcyra to attack their enemies 270 00:28:24,622 --> 00:28:26,372 in a pincer movement. 271 00:28:29,865 --> 00:28:31,212 Agrippa was already hard at it 272 00:28:31,212 --> 00:28:33,709 carrying out his naval attacks. 273 00:28:33,709 --> 00:28:34,965 From his base camp at Methoni, 274 00:28:34,965 --> 00:28:36,718 he intercepted merchant ships 275 00:28:36,718 --> 00:28:40,468 compromising Antony and Cleopatra's supplies. 276 00:28:41,824 --> 00:28:44,016 Soon, the large Greek port of Patras fell 277 00:28:44,016 --> 00:28:46,349 closely followed by Lefkada. 278 00:29:05,159 --> 00:29:06,163 When Octavian arrived, 279 00:29:06,163 --> 00:29:07,750 he set up camp on high ground 280 00:29:07,750 --> 00:29:09,470 on the northern side of the promontory 281 00:29:09,470 --> 00:29:11,303 across from his enemy. 282 00:29:13,365 --> 00:29:14,592 It was an excellent observation post 283 00:29:14,592 --> 00:29:17,259 and a strong defensive position. 284 00:29:18,735 --> 00:29:19,920 But across the strait at Actium, 285 00:29:19,920 --> 00:29:22,670 Antony also held a good position. 286 00:31:49,545 --> 00:31:50,559 As the days passed, 287 00:31:50,559 --> 00:31:52,449 desertions and betrayals increased. 288 00:31:52,449 --> 00:31:54,798 Antony knew there could be no more delaying, 289 00:31:54,798 --> 00:31:56,785 it was time for action. 290 00:31:56,785 --> 00:31:57,952 But what kind? 291 00:34:12,522 --> 00:34:14,131 Firstly, he was to sail out towards 292 00:34:14,131 --> 00:34:15,802 Agrippa's large fleet, 293 00:34:15,802 --> 00:34:16,801 causing a diversion 294 00:34:16,801 --> 00:34:18,490 and allowing Cleopatra's royal squadron 295 00:34:18,490 --> 00:34:21,664 to take flight with the treasure. 296 00:34:21,664 --> 00:34:23,356 Secondly, he was to join her 297 00:34:23,356 --> 00:34:24,570 and give the signal for the rest 298 00:34:24,570 --> 00:34:26,487 of the fleet to follow. 299 00:34:27,768 --> 00:34:28,953 Then together, they could sail 300 00:34:28,953 --> 00:34:30,150 to the south of Greece 301 00:34:30,150 --> 00:34:32,368 and onwards to Alexandria. 302 00:34:32,368 --> 00:34:33,646 The land forces at Actium, 303 00:34:33,646 --> 00:34:35,059 which had been unable to embark 304 00:34:35,059 --> 00:34:38,309 would have to march south to meet them. 305 00:34:55,416 --> 00:34:56,456 The chosen solution meant 306 00:34:56,456 --> 00:34:57,631 keeping only the warships 307 00:34:57,631 --> 00:34:58,997 and scuttling all the transport 308 00:34:58,997 --> 00:35:00,330 and cargo ships. 309 00:35:03,566 --> 00:35:06,181 Only 230 vessels of the 500 strong fleet 310 00:35:06,181 --> 00:35:08,264 were suitable for battle. 311 00:35:10,688 --> 00:35:12,040 The cargo ships were set fire to 312 00:35:12,040 --> 00:35:14,339 while the war chest was secretly transported 313 00:35:14,339 --> 00:35:16,711 to Cleopatra's galley along with sails, 314 00:35:16,711 --> 00:35:20,044 masts, and (inaudible). 315 00:36:52,382 --> 00:36:53,426 Antony joined the fleet 316 00:36:53,426 --> 00:36:55,926 and urged his men into battle. 317 00:37:53,695 --> 00:37:54,961 Antony commanded three squadrons, 318 00:37:54,961 --> 00:37:56,500 notably the right wing facing 319 00:37:56,500 --> 00:37:57,974 off against Agrippa, 320 00:37:57,974 --> 00:38:01,079 his most fearsome enemy at sea. 321 00:38:01,079 --> 00:38:02,383 On the left wing was Sosius 322 00:38:02,383 --> 00:38:04,039 ready to attack Octavian 323 00:38:04,039 --> 00:38:07,039 while the center squadron stood off. 324 00:38:08,017 --> 00:38:09,018 Cleopatra was to the rear of these 325 00:38:09,018 --> 00:38:10,685 with her 60 vessels. 326 00:38:11,622 --> 00:38:13,037 Octavian had the advantage in numbers 327 00:38:13,037 --> 00:38:15,620 with 400 ships to Antony's 170. 328 00:38:16,498 --> 00:38:18,498 A ratio of three to one. 329 00:40:28,826 --> 00:40:31,560 Around noon, the wind finally rose. 330 00:40:31,560 --> 00:40:33,475 The ships of Antony's left wing were ready. 331 00:40:33,475 --> 00:40:36,808 The wooden giants began to move forward. 332 00:40:47,946 --> 00:40:48,995 Octavian's fleet retreated 333 00:40:48,995 --> 00:40:51,245 under pressure from Sosius. 334 00:41:00,378 --> 00:41:01,560 And Agrippa's on the other wing 335 00:41:01,560 --> 00:41:02,643 did the same. 336 00:41:24,069 --> 00:41:26,129 The enemies retreat (inaudible) well, 337 00:41:26,129 --> 00:41:27,883 even Agrippa was retreating. 338 00:41:27,883 --> 00:41:31,050 Was he afraid of Antony's war galleys? 339 00:41:40,681 --> 00:41:42,520 Publicola backing up Antony's right wing 340 00:41:42,520 --> 00:41:44,240 couldn't resist the temptation 341 00:41:44,240 --> 00:41:46,242 and took the decision to pursue Agrippa 342 00:41:46,242 --> 00:41:47,598 in spite of his orders 343 00:41:47,598 --> 00:41:49,848 to stay in close formation. 344 00:42:07,817 --> 00:42:09,071 Against all expectation, 345 00:42:09,071 --> 00:42:10,697 Agrippa suddenly halted his fleet 346 00:42:10,697 --> 00:42:13,864 and changed the direction of his oars. 347 00:42:22,974 --> 00:42:26,477 The pursued suddenly became the pursuers. 348 00:42:26,477 --> 00:42:28,822 Antony had every reason to be concerned. 349 00:42:28,822 --> 00:42:30,739 A clash was inevitable. 350 00:43:04,655 --> 00:43:07,822 Agrippa intended to stop their escape. 351 00:44:09,741 --> 00:44:13,141 Agrippa's flight had been a trap. 352 00:44:13,141 --> 00:44:14,264 In spite of the secrecy in which 353 00:44:14,264 --> 00:44:16,755 Antony and Cleopatra had formulated their plan, 354 00:44:16,755 --> 00:44:18,999 they were betrayed by one of their council 355 00:44:18,999 --> 00:44:20,982 the previous day who had revealed their 356 00:44:20,982 --> 00:44:22,899 intentions to Octavian. 357 00:44:24,081 --> 00:44:27,199 He decided to join the battle. 358 00:44:27,199 --> 00:44:28,708 Despite the fervor of the participants, 359 00:44:28,708 --> 00:44:31,923 no one action proved to be decisive. 360 00:44:31,923 --> 00:44:33,228 But Antony's fleet appeared to be 361 00:44:33,228 --> 00:44:35,145 well and truly trapped. 362 00:44:57,514 --> 00:44:59,002 From her galley, 363 00:44:59,002 --> 00:45:00,474 Cleopatra observed the unexpected turn 364 00:45:00,474 --> 00:45:02,807 of events and reacted with gusto. 365 00:45:02,807 --> 00:45:03,945 Unfazed by battle, 366 00:45:03,945 --> 00:45:05,808 she decided to go with the initial plan 367 00:45:05,808 --> 00:45:07,725 and force the blockade. 368 00:45:12,547 --> 00:45:14,218 On seeing Cleopatra cross the battlefield, 369 00:45:14,218 --> 00:45:16,468 Antony admired her courage. 370 00:45:22,582 --> 00:45:24,404 All around the battle raged. 371 00:45:24,404 --> 00:45:25,797 Warriors clashed while Cleopatra 372 00:45:25,797 --> 00:45:27,966 made it to the open sea. 373 00:45:27,966 --> 00:45:28,972 She had fulfilled the first part 374 00:45:28,972 --> 00:45:29,972 of the plan. 375 00:45:34,264 --> 00:45:35,330 Antony left in her wake, 376 00:45:35,330 --> 00:45:39,163 ordering the closest of his vessels to follow. 377 00:46:01,548 --> 00:46:03,195 Octavian incensed by his enemies flight 378 00:46:03,195 --> 00:46:05,160 was intent on not letting any more 379 00:46:05,160 --> 00:46:06,739 through the net. 380 00:46:06,739 --> 00:46:09,239 120 ships had already escaped. 381 00:46:33,050 --> 00:46:34,993 Octavian gave the order to use fire, 382 00:46:34,993 --> 00:46:36,479 there would be less war booty 383 00:46:36,479 --> 00:46:39,594 but the result would be assured. 384 00:46:39,594 --> 00:46:40,592 Agrippa followed orders 385 00:46:40,592 --> 00:46:43,022 and used inglorious fire. 386 00:46:43,022 --> 00:46:44,027 Making the remainder 387 00:46:44,027 --> 00:46:46,694 of Antony's fleet unsalvageable. 388 00:46:51,733 --> 00:46:52,995 Antony despaired at the tragedy 389 00:46:52,995 --> 00:46:54,939 being played out before his eyes. 390 00:46:54,939 --> 00:46:56,015 His trapped ships caught Fire 391 00:46:56,015 --> 00:46:58,098 and sank into the depths. 392 00:47:00,467 --> 00:47:01,468 The wing commanded by Sosius 393 00:47:01,468 --> 00:47:03,841 was blocked on all sides. 394 00:47:03,841 --> 00:47:04,902 A position which ended all hope 395 00:47:04,902 --> 00:47:08,652 of joining him and resolved Antony to flight. 396 00:47:10,739 --> 00:47:13,100 40 vessels sank or were burned. 397 00:47:13,100 --> 00:47:14,787 The others surrendered. 398 00:47:14,787 --> 00:47:16,344 But 12,000 men lost their lives 399 00:47:16,344 --> 00:47:18,344 in the waters of Actium. 400 00:47:25,253 --> 00:47:26,781 Octavian, an unequaled negotiator, 401 00:47:26,781 --> 00:47:28,401 used the so called flight 402 00:47:28,401 --> 00:47:29,922 of Antony and Cleopatra 403 00:47:29,922 --> 00:47:31,559 and eight days later accepted 404 00:47:31,559 --> 00:47:34,726 the surrender of Antony's land armies. 405 00:47:42,791 --> 00:47:44,742 Octavian was at the gates of Alexandria. 406 00:47:44,742 --> 00:47:46,742 Annexation was imminent. 407 00:47:50,379 --> 00:47:52,017 Antony, deprived of all hope of revenge, 408 00:47:52,017 --> 00:47:54,767 renounced the company of his men. 409 00:47:57,542 --> 00:47:58,545 As for Cleopatra, 410 00:47:58,545 --> 00:48:01,216 she foresaw the sad fate that awaited her 411 00:48:01,216 --> 00:48:03,342 as Octavian's finest war trophy in Rome 412 00:48:03,342 --> 00:48:05,877 entrained like a slave. 413 00:48:05,877 --> 00:48:08,627 A fate unworthy of a great queen. 414 00:48:15,252 --> 00:48:16,250 Cleopatra came up with the idea 415 00:48:16,250 --> 00:48:18,440 of spreading news of her death throughout 416 00:48:18,440 --> 00:48:20,066 Alexandria due to discourage any 417 00:48:20,066 --> 00:48:21,899 reprisals against her. 418 00:48:30,484 --> 00:48:32,745 But alas Antony heard the rumor 419 00:48:32,745 --> 00:48:35,031 and believed it to be true. 420 00:48:35,031 --> 00:48:37,190 Broken hearted and overcome with grief 421 00:48:37,190 --> 00:48:38,587 of losing the one person 422 00:48:38,587 --> 00:48:40,041 who could still bring him happiness, 423 00:48:40,041 --> 00:48:42,124 Antony took his own life. 424 00:48:59,098 --> 00:49:00,424 News reached Octavian that Cleopatra 425 00:49:00,424 --> 00:49:02,437 was unable to eat due to the distress 426 00:49:02,437 --> 00:49:04,400 of having caused her lover's death 427 00:49:04,400 --> 00:49:06,609 and had become seriously ill. 428 00:49:06,609 --> 00:49:09,109 On Antony's tomb she confided. 429 00:49:10,695 --> 00:49:12,024 "They planned to tear me away from you. 430 00:49:12,024 --> 00:49:13,680 "As long as we lived, 431 00:49:13,680 --> 00:49:15,614 "nothing could separate us. 432 00:49:15,614 --> 00:49:18,720 "Hide me in this earth with you. 433 00:49:18,720 --> 00:49:20,720 "Let me share your tomb. 434 00:49:22,092 --> 00:49:23,818 "Of all the ills that have befallen me, 435 00:49:23,818 --> 00:49:26,200 "the worst, the most frightful for me, 436 00:49:26,200 --> 00:49:29,950 "has been the time I have lived without you." 437 00:49:35,997 --> 00:49:37,480 Cleopatra released herself from pain 438 00:49:37,480 --> 00:49:40,397 by taking her own life with poison. 439 00:50:08,217 --> 00:50:09,389 Octavian had Caesarian, 440 00:50:09,389 --> 00:50:12,976 the son of Cleopatra and Caesar, executed. 441 00:50:12,976 --> 00:50:15,309 Now no one stood in his way. 442 00:50:16,919 --> 00:50:18,034 United for eternity, 443 00:50:18,034 --> 00:50:19,462 Antony and Cleopatra would forever 444 00:50:19,462 --> 00:50:21,148 remain free spirits taking 445 00:50:21,148 --> 00:50:22,979 with them to the grave their dream 446 00:50:22,979 --> 00:50:25,635 of a great eastern empire of Greece, 447 00:50:25,635 --> 00:50:27,583 founded on the love they had shared 448 00:50:27,583 --> 00:50:28,666 for 14 years. 449 00:50:30,840 --> 00:50:32,132 The Mediterranean world would become 450 00:50:32,132 --> 00:50:34,208 Roman and western when it had 451 00:50:34,208 --> 00:50:35,545 been on the brink of becoming 452 00:50:35,545 --> 00:50:37,045 eastern and Greek. 453 00:50:38,749 --> 00:50:41,271 The adopted young man had come a long way. 454 00:50:41,271 --> 00:50:42,275 And now he knew, 455 00:50:42,275 --> 00:50:44,858 there could be only one Caesar. 456 00:50:47,280 --> 00:50:48,340 In 27 BC, 457 00:50:48,340 --> 00:50:50,330 Octavian became the first emperor 458 00:50:50,330 --> 00:50:51,997 of Rome as Augustus. 459 00:50:53,067 --> 00:50:54,757 The Roman empire which he'd founded 460 00:50:54,757 --> 00:50:57,257 would last for over 400 years.