The War that Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium

Being aware of some of the negative reviews that other folks have posted about this book, and at this point being skeptical of anyone associated with the Hoover Institute, I was wondering whether I wanted to actually read this work.

That said I actually did wind up enjoying this study of the wars of the Second Triumvirate, and I think that Strauss does a good job of explaining a complicated subject to a general audience; always keeping in mind the problematic nature of our sources.

Although I’ve done some reading on the general history of the Roman Empire over the years, I will admit my awareness of the Battle of Actium mainly comes Shakespeare’s plays and the Cleopatra movie.

This well researched volume places that battle in its wider context of the civil wars after the death of Julius Caesar, and the rise of the man who would become Rome’s first true Emperor.

As Strauss points out history is written by the victors, which means that what sources we have about the events discussed are sparse, one-sided, and inherently hostile to Anthony (and to a lesser extent Cleopatra). As such much of what is presented here is well informed supposition.

Yet it manages to present what feels like a balanced account that show more pierces the bias while providing some insights into the actions of the participants as people rather than myths. show less

As with his previous works, the author has an easy reading style that makes his book flow smoothly and quickly. He has the ability to include just the right amount of detail so as not to bog down the reader but still inform.

By any standard, this book will be the preeminent source for the background and context of the Battle of Actium as well as its immediate aftermath. It includes an informative discussion of both Octavian (the future Augustus) and Mark Antony, as well as Cleopatra. Other notable figures are also included such as Agrippa, Octavian's sister Octavia, etc.

A minor complaint is that the author, as is his style, over inflates the importance of female figures. No doubt his intent is to be inclusive in his historical reporting, show more but he loses credibility by overemphasizing the importance of such figures despite their lack of historical accounts. show less

He is a bit casual for an academic and not good enough for a professional writer. It reads as a book he wanted to write, but not clear that anyone should read.