In 42 BCE, the Roman Senate declared Julius Caesar a god, and the Triumvirs (Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian) sought to avenge his death and defeat the conspirators (Brutus and Cassius) who assassinated him. To fund their war efforts, the Triumvirs imposed new taxes on Roman citizens, including a tax on the 1,400 wealthiest women in Rome. The women, led by Hortensia, protested and negotiated a reduction in the tax.
Meanwhile, Brutus and Cassius gathered a massive army of 17 legions in the east, while the Triumvirs assembled 19 legions. The two armies clashed in the First Battle of Philippi, which ended in a draw. However, during the battle, Cassius was misinformed that the enemy cavalry had broken through and took his own life.
After the battle, Brutus became the commander of the conspirators' army but lacked a clear strategy and was eventually forced to attack the Triumvirs' army. The Second Battle of Philippi ended in a crushing defeat for Brutus, who took his own life.
The Triumvirs emerged victorious, and Antony was hailed as Imperator. Octavian, who had been largely absent from the battles, was mocked for his inexperience and lack of bravery. The Triumvirs now stood unopposed in Rome, but the stage was set for future conflicts and power struggles.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Julius Caesar was declared a god by the Senate and People of Rome on January 1st, 42 B.C.E.
2. A temple was to be built on the site of Caesar's funeral pyre, and Marc Antony was to serve as the temple's chief priest.
3. The legislation was introduced by Lepidus on his first day as consul.
4. The Triumvirs consisted of Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian.
5. The Conspirators, led by Brutus and Cassius, were in the east with a massive army.
6. The Roman treasury was empty, and the Triumvirs had to introduce new taxes on Roman citizens.
7. The Triumvirs imposed a one-time levy on the 1,400 wealthiest women in Rome.
8. The wealthy women of Rome, led by Hortensia, protested the tax and approached Octavian's sister Octavia, Antony's mother Julia, and Antony's wife Fulvia to undermine the Triumvirs' political support.
9. Hortensia delivered a speech in the Forum, arguing that women should not pay taxes since they have no part in statecraft.
10. The Triumvirs backed down and reduced the tax by over 70%.
11. The Triumvirs imposed a sweeping new wealth tax on Roman citizens and Italian farmers.
12. Italian farmers were required to give half of their harvest to the state.
13. Brutus and Cassius had 17 legions under their command, while the Triumvirs had 19 legions.
14. The two armies clashed at the First Battle of Philippi on October 3rd, 42 B.C.E.
15. The battle was a draw, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
16. Cassius was killed in the battle.
17. Brutus took command of Cassius's legions and offered them a cash payout and the opportunity to loot two cities in exchange for their loyalty.
18. The Second Battle of Philippi took place on October 23rd, 42 B.C.E.
19. Brutus's legions broke first, and he retreated into the nearby hills.
20. Brutus took his own life after the battle.
21. The victorious legions hailed Antony as Imperator, while Octavian was insulted and mocked for hiding in his tent.
22. The Triumvirs stood unopposed atop the Roman state after the Battle of Philippi.