Battle of Philippi
The Battle of Philippi was a significant series of confrontations occurring in 42 BCE, following the assassination of Julius Caesar. The conflict involved two main factions: the forces loyal to Caesar's assassins, Brutus and Cassius, and the Second Triumvirate, comprising Marc Antony, Octavian, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. The first battle took place in September 42 BCE, where Brutus and Cassius faced off against Octavian and Antony. Although Brutus's forces initially gained ground by capturing Octavian's camp, the battle ultimately resulted in a stalemate.
A few weeks later, the second battle occurred on October 23, 42 BCE, where Brutus's troops were overwhelmed, leading to his and Cassius's suicides. This outcome marked a crucial turning point in Roman history, as it solidified the power of the Triumvirate and diminished the influence of Caesar's assassins. The battle is historically significant for its role in shaping the future of Rome, ultimately paving the way for the rise of Augustus as the first Roman Emperor.
Battle of Philippi
Related civilizations: Republican and Imperial Rome.
Date: October, 42 b.c.e.
Locale: Philippi, a town overlooking plain and bay at Neapolis in Greece
Background
After the murder of Julius Caesar in 44 b.c.e., Brutus, one of the chief assassins, took possession of Macedonia, where he was joined by Cassius, another assassin, who commanded Syria. The two rivals for power, Caesar’s friend Marc Antony and Caesar’s heir Octavian (later the emperor Augustus), reconciled in 43 b.c.e. and formed (with Marcus Aemilius Lepidus) the Second Triumvirate. In the following year, Antony and Octavian (with twenty-eight legions) set out to recover the eastern provinces.
Action
The forces of Brutus and Cassius (with combined nineteen legions) were positioned along the Via Egnatia, west of Philippi (FIH-leh-pi); Brutus to the north was partly protected by a marsh. Brutus’s forces successfully overran Octavian’s camp, although Octavian avoided capture. Antony successfully attacked the camp of Cassius; Cassius, discouraged and not knowing of Brutus’s success, committed suicide. The first battle was a stalemate. Three weeks later on October 23, Brutus began another battle. With his troops in flight, he also committed suicide.
Consequences
The battle marked the defeat of Brutus and Cassius, the leading assassins of Caesar, and left Rome in the power of the Triumvirate.
Bibliography
Southern, P. Augustus. New York: Routledge, 1998.