Augustus Part 2: Caesar’s Revenge
Summary
This episode of Real Dictators details the rise of Octavian following Julius Caesar’s assassination, tracing his path from teenage heir to the first Roman emperor. It covers the formation of the Second Triumvirate with Mark Antony and Lepidus, the brutal proscriptions, and the civil war against the Liberators. The narrative highlights the power struggle between Octavian and Antony, culminating in the Battle of Actium, where Antony’s abandonment of his fleet for Cleopatra led to his defeat and the end of the Roman Republic.
Topics discussed
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Battle of Actium: Antony's Disengagement
Introduction to Part 2 of the Augustus Story
Caesar's Assassination and Octavian's Inheritance
Political Tensions: Antony vs. Octavian
Octavian's Strategic Hesitation and Advice
Securing Caesar's Army and War Chest
Public Outrage and the Liberators' Stance
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Octavian's Arrival in Rome and Senate Maneuvering
Propaganda War and Cicero's Philippics
Public Perception of Octavian and Antony's Restlessness
Octavian Becomes Consul
Formation of the Second Triumvirate
End of the Republic and Triumviral Powers
Proscriptions and Mass Executions
Cicero's Execution and Display of Heads
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Battles of Philippi and Agrippa's Role
Sextus Pompeius and Naval Threats
Octavian's Marriages: Scribonia and Livia
Antony and Cleopatra's Affair
Antony's Will and Propaganda Campaign
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Battle of Naulochus and Flight to Egypt
Suicides of Antony and Cleopatra
Execution of Caesarion and Antony's Son
Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode
Outro and Sponsor: Toyota
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