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.
Dr Nic Fields started his career as a biochemist before joining the Royal Marines. Having left the military, he went back to university and completed a BA and PhD in Ancient History at the University of Newcastle. He was Assistant Director at the British School at Athens, Greece, and then a lecturer in Ancient History at the University of Edinburgh. Nic is now a freelance author and researcher based in south-west France.
Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and model maker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.