Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read.
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The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium by Barry StraussExpected publication: March 22nd 2022 by Simon & Schuster
The gripping story of one of history’s most important and yet little-known wars, the campaign culminating in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, whose outcome determined the future of the Roman Empire.
Following Caesar’s assassination and Mark Antony’s defeat of the conspirators who killed Caesar, two powerful men remained in Rome—Antony and Caesar’s chosen heir, young Octavian, the future Augustus. When Antony fell in love with the most powerful woman in the world, Egypt’s ruler Cleopatra, and thwarted Octavian’s ambition to rule the empire, another civil war broke out. In 31 BC one of the largest naval battles in the ancient world took place—more than 600 ships, almost 200,000 men, and one woman—the Battle of Actium. Octavian prevailed and subsequently defeated Antony and Cleopatra, who eventually committed suicide.
The Battle of Actium had great consequences for the empire. Had Antony and Cleopatra won, the empire’s capital might have moved from Rome to Alexandria, Cleopatra’s capital, and Latin might have become the empire’s second language after Greek, which was spoken throughout the eastern Mediterranean, including Egypt.
In this riveting and exciting history, Barry Strauss, ancient history authority, describes this consequential battle with the drama and expertise that it deserves. The War That Made the Roman Empire is essential history that features three of the greatest figures of the ancient world.
I had an actual out of body experience when I found out that Barry Strauss’ next book is releasing in March. Then I died all over again when I saw what the topic of the book is going to be:
✨Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium✨
I enjoyed Barry’s previous book Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors from Augustus to Constantine so much but I think I will love this new upcoming book even more. I absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on it!
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Are you also looking forward to this book?
Leave your links to your Can’t-Wait Wednesday post so I can stop by!
Wow this sounds so interesting, I feel like I’ll always be intrigued by anything to do with Cleopatra and Antony. I hope you love it!
It’s such a fascinating era in history!
Ha! I am visualizing you that excited, Stephanie! I hope that you love it when you get the chance to read it! 🙂
I’ve been waiting for another Barry Strauss book since 2019 so you bet that I’m excited! 😀
Wow, this sounds epic! I’m not up on my ancient history, but even I am excited to read about Anthony and Cleopatra😁
It’s gonna be so good I just know it!
This sounds fascinating. I’ll be looking forward to your review and thoughts on this.
A review will be coming FOR SURE!
I have never heard of the Battle of Actium. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention. I am going to want to read it.
I’ve read about the battle of Actium before but I’m so excited to learn more from Barry Strauss!
My knowledge of ancient history is verrrrrrry miniscule and I’ve always found the history outside of North America to be way more fascinating. Thanks for bringing this author to my attention! Will have to check out his other works as well. Hope you enjoy it as much as the last 🙂
I hope so too! 😀
Ooh, this sounds amazing!
I’m so excited for it!
It sounds interesting and with the Egyptian touch in it, it could end up on my wishlist. I hope you will enjoy your pick. Happy reading!
I love learning about Antony and Cleopatra. Can’t know enough about them!
This sounds super interesting!
Sounds really interesting. As you say a water divider in the history of the Roman Empire.
Why doesn’t it surprise me Stephanie? 😀
Ooo! This sounds good! I hope you enjoy The War That Made the Roman Empire when you read it!
Hehehe, your glee just makes me smile — i am expecting an epic review after this!
This sounds super fascinating indeed, hope you’ll love it!