Timeline
Timeline: 48 BC to 35 BC
A general overview of major political and military events concerning Sextus Pompeius, as well as Octavian and Mark Antony. Specific dates are supplied whenever possible. Otherwise, events are presented in a general chronological order.
48 BC | 47 BC | 46 BC | 45 BC | 44 BC | 43 BC | 42 BC | 41 BC | 40 BC | 39 BC | 38 BC | 37 BC | 36 BC | 35 BC
48 BC
(September 29) Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great) is assassinated in Pelusium, Egypt.
A revolt against the Caesarean governor of the region of Iberia in Spain breaks out.
47 BC
Gnaeus Pompeius (Pompey the Younger) and Sextus Pompeius are sent from North Africa by the Pompeian faction to aid in the anti-Caesarean revolt in Spain.
46 BC
(April 9) Battle of Thaspus between Caesarean and Pompeian forces. Julius Caesar gains a decisive victory.
45 BC
(March 17) Battle of Munda between Caesarean and Pompeian forces. Julius Caesar gains a decisive victory. Pompey the Younger is killed, and Sextus Pompeius escapes to Southern Italy.
44 BC
(March 15) Julius Caesar is assassinated by the conspirators in the Roman Senate.
Sextus Pompeius consolidates his fleet and armed forces in Sicily.
43 BC
(January) The Roman Senate recalls Sextus Pompeius and grants him the title of praefectus classis et orae maritimae, ‘prefect of the fleet and the sea coast’, as well as making him commander of the Roman fleet. Sextus Pompeius does not return to Rome and remains in Italy.
(November) The lex Titia is passed, formally establishing the Second Triumvirate between Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. Sextus Pompeius is proscribed by the Second Triumvirate and loses the titles granted to him by the Roman Senate.
42 BC
(January) The Roman Senate officially deifies Julius Caesar
Sextus Pompeius remains in control over Sicily and continues to consolidate his fleet.
Battle of Rhegium between Caesarean forces led by Q. Salvidienus Rufus and Pompeian forces led by Sextus Pompeius. Sextus Pompeius gains a decisive victory and much of the Caesarean fleet is destroyed.
(October) Battle of Philip between the Triumvirs, Mark Antony and Octavian and the Liberatores, Marcus Brutus and Cassius Longinus. The Triumvirs gain a decisive victory and end the Liberator’s civil war. Statius Murcus receives half of the Republican fleet in the aftermath, but defects to join Sextus Pompeius in Sicily. Sextus Pompeius’ fleet grows to nearly 500 ships, and Octavian is left with no ships.
41 BC
Sextus Pompeius begins launching attacks along the Italian coast, pillaging and raiding coastal villages.
40 BC
Sextus Pompeius continues his attacks along the Italian coast as well as implementing a blockade strategy which prevents supply ships from reaching Rome.
39 BC
Treaty of Misenum is established between Sextus Pompeius and Octavian and Mark Antony. The success of Sextus Pompeius’ blockade strategy brought Rome to near-famine, and public pressures demanded Octavian meet with Sextus Pompeius to deescalate the situation. In return for the official governorship of Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica, as well as a consulship and appointment to the College of Augurs, Sextus Pompeius would end his blockade and attacks on the Italian coast.
38 BC
The peace between Sextus Pompeius, Octavian, and Mark Antony breaks down as the three accuse one another of not honouring the terms of the Treaty of Misenum.
Battle of Cumae between Octavian’s forces and Sextus Pompeius forces. Sextus Pompeius gained a decisive victory, and Octavian’s fleet was decimated in a storm. Sextus Pompeius uses this victory to begin publicly associating himself as NEPTVNI, ‘of Neptune’.
37 BC
Octavian tasks Agrippa with rebuilding his fleet and specifically training his armed forces to be proficient in sea combat.
Treaty of Tarentum is established, renewing the Second Triumvirate. During this meeting Octavian and Antony officially strip Sextus Pompeius of the roles granted to him in the Treaty of Misenum.
36 BC
(August 11) Battle of Mylae between Octavian’s fleet led by Agrippa and Sextus Pompeius’ fleet. The two fail to engage properly.
(August 13) Battle of Tauromenium between Octavian’s fleet led by Agrippa and Sextus Pompeius’ fleet. Sextus Pompeius was able to slip through the strait of Messana and ambush a large section of Octavian’s fleet, destroying over 50 ships. Sextus Pompeius gained a decisive victory.
(September 3) Battle of Naulochus between Octavian’s fleet led by Agrippa and Sextus Pompeius’ fleet. Agrippa returned and was able to destroy the majority of Sextus Pompeius’ remaining fleet. Sextus Pompeius fled from Sicily. Octavian gained a decisive victory.
35 BC
Sextus established himself in Mitylene in Asia Minor and was reconsolidating by minting coinage as well as rebuilding his fleet and armed forces. He was captured and executed in late 35 BC.