LEGIO OCTAE AVGVSTA MUTINENSIS GALLICA VICTRIX – THE EIGHT AUGUSTAN LEGION - Page 2

The death of Julius Caesar left a power vacuum in Rome. While there were more than a few pretenders to Caesars throne, the two main contenders being Marc Antonius (Marc Anthony) – ex Magistar Equestris or Master of the horse to Caesar, and his adopted son Gaius Octavius (Octavian and future Augustus) – in fact his great-nephew.

The senate’s leniency towards the murders of Caesar caused much dissent and disgust amongst his old legionaries. This was quickly taken advantage of by Octavian and Marc Anthony who both raised armies at this time. Marc Anthony revived his favorite legion, Legio VI, while Octavian revived Legion VII and VIII. It is worth noting that at this time Octavian was only 18 years old and obviously possessed some of his great uncles charisma.

The murder of Caesar left Marc Anthony as the only remaining Consul in Rome. In an effort to avoid all out war Marc Anthony proposed a compromise. In exchange for granting immunity to the murders of Caesar, the senate would ratify all of Caesars statutes. Cassius and Brutus would be dispatched on phony diplomatic missions. To some of Caesars supporters, this was seen as yet another act of betrayal.