Roman power–player Octavian defeats Mark Antony in a decisive naval encounter on the Ionian Sea, off the Roman colony of Actium in Greece.
The pivotal battle is considered to mark the completion of the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire (essentially a military dictatorship).
Octavian’s fleet is commanded by the legendary commander Agrippa. Mark Anthony is supported financially by his lover, Cleopatra VII, Queen of Ptolemaic Egypt.
Octavian’s victory enables him to further consolidate his power. He accepts the designations princeps (“first citizen”) and “Augustus” (meaning “August One”).
The rule of Augustus initiates a two–century era of relative peace known as the “Pax Romana,” or “Roman Peace.” But note that the first Roman war against the Jews takes place during this (presumably relatively peaceful Roman) era.
Sextilis, the eighth month of the Roman calendar, is renamed August in his honor.