The document summarizes the rise of Octavian and the Roman Empire under Augustus. After Julius Caesar's assassination, Octavian allied with Antony and Lepidus in the Second Triumvirate to defeat Caesar's assassins. However, Octavian and Antony soon began arguing over power and split the empire between them, with Octavian ruling the western half. Antony fell in love with Cleopatra and Octavian convinced Rome that Antony wanted sole rule, leading Octavian to defeat Antony at the Battle of Actium. Octavian then took control of all of Rome at age 32, declaring himself emperor under the title Augustus, though giving some power to the Senate.

1. The Empire Rises

8. Rome: 44 B.C.E.