The 'Myth' of Actium

• The conflict with Antony was a civil war, but it was spun that Cleopatra was the enemy, and controlling Antony. This made the people believe that the war was Rome vs Egypt
• Octavian used the victory at Actium to cement his control over Rome. he played it as a battle for Rome's survival, not a political conflict between two men. This painted Octavian as a hero rather than a dictator
• Agrippa had won the victory for Octavian and the battle had been easy. Octavian became one of Rome's greatest generals. The people felt as if the gods were supporting Octavian (especially because of the propoganda)
• Propaganda included coins that depicted the goddess Venus and showed Octavian in armour, as well as poems and dedicated buildings