Mutina 43 BC

In the aftermath of Julius Caesar's assassination, Octavian and the forces of the late Republic battled Mark Antony in the battles of Forum Gallorum and Mutina in 43 BC. Gaius Julius Caesar's self-declared successor Mark Antony struggled to hold together his legacy. Following an abortive coup attempt by Caesar’s adopted son Octavian, two of Antony’s legions declared for him, leading to a renewed outbreak of civil war. Antony moved into northern Italy and invaded the city of Mutina, which was held by Decimus Brutus. There they were quickly sandwiched between the city walls on one side and the newly arrived Senate-backed forces of Octavian on the other. These two heirs of Caesar then fought to claim their former mentor’s legacy. Fully illustrated with specially commissioned artwork and maps, this is the full story of the battles which would see Octavian move from being a young, inexperienced aristocrat to the dominating figure of Augustus.