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42 BC - Battle of Philippi

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The Battle of Philippi (3rd of October - 23rd of October 42 BC) was the final battle of the Liberators' Civil War (43–42 BC) and was faught between the armies of the Second Triumvirate with the leading commanders Gaius Octavian Caesar (63 BC - 14 AD) and Mark Antony (83 BC - 30 BC) against the armies of the Liberators, commanded by Marcus Junius Brutus (85 BC - 42 BC) and Gaius Cassius Longinus (before 85 BC – 42 BC) in Philippi, modern Macedonia.

After the murder of Gaius Julius Caesar (100 BC - 44 BC), Brutus and Cassius left Italy and took control of all of Rome's eastern provinces. Meanwhile the Caesarian leaders (Antony, Octavian and Lepidus) had crushed most of the political opposition of the senate and now wanted the eastern provinces back and to avenge Caesar's death. The whole thing resulted in a one year long war between the Caesarian leaders, the Second Triumvirate, against the Liberators.

The first battle occurred on October the 3rd, where Brutus faced Octavian, while Antony's forces were up against those of Cassius. At first, Brutus pushed back Octavian's armies and entered his legions' camp. But to the south, Cassius was defeated by Antony, and committed suicide after hearing a false report that Brutus had also failed. Brutus rallied Cassius' remaining troops and both sides ordered their army to retreat to their camps with their spoils. The battle was essentially a draw, but for Cassius' suicide. This deprived the Liberatores of their best commander. A second encounter, on the 23rd of October, finished off Brutus' forces and he committed suicide in turn, leaving the triumvirate in control of the Roman Republic.

The Battle of Philippi would be the high point of Mark Antony's militarian carreer and is today seen as one of his and Octavian's most recognizable victories. It is not known how many that died on any of the sides.
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When in doubt... attack!
- Marc Antony