Bononia, 43 BCE: Inside the Meeting that Formed the Second Triumvirate
At Bononia in late Oct.–early Nov. 43 BCE, Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus met on a river islet and created a five‑year board—the Second Triumvirate—to “re‑establish the Republic.” They divided provinces and armies, promised land to veterans, and agreed on proscriptions, later formalized by the lex Titia (27 November).
On a small river islet near Bononia/Mutina in late Oct.–early Nov. 43 BCE, Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus negotiated a five‑year board “to re‑establish the Republic.” Over two days, with five legions apiece, they parceled out provinces and commands—Antony to Gaul (except Narbonensis), Lepidus to Narbonensis and Spain, Octavian to Africa–Sardinia–Sicily—promised land in eighteen Italian colonies, and agreed to pre‑emptive proscriptions. Marching into Rome, they had their settlement enacted through the tribunes; on 27 November the lex Titia formalized the triumvirate with extraordinary powers. The Bononia pact funded and focused their eastern war and set Octavian on the road to sole rule.
Key Factors
From Mutina to Bononia: urgent need to unite
After the Mutina campaign and the collapse of Decimus Brutus, the Caesarian commanders needed each other to confront Brutus and Cassius in the east. Legitimacy, cash, and troops—especially veteran loyalty—pushed Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus toward a formal pact.
Terms on a river islet
Meeting for two days with five legions each, they negotiated at a searched, neutral island; Octavian, as consul, sat in the center. They divided provinces and commands, pledged eighteen Italian colonies for veterans, and agreed to eliminate domestic foes before the eastern campaign.
From pact to law: the lex Titia
Upon entering Rome, their program was carried through the tribunes and swiftly enacted. The lex Titia (27 Nov. 43 BCE) created the triumviri rei publicae constituendae for five years with powers to make/annul laws, nominate magistrates, and judge without appeal.
Proscriptions as policy and financing
They agreed to proscriptions to neutralize opponents and raise funds; lists rapidly expanded, with Cicero among the most famous victims. Ancient writers record grisly bargaining over who would live or die and emphasize the scale and severity of the killings.
Deployment for the eastern war
Antony took Gaul (except Narbonensis), Lepidus Narbonensis and Spain, and Octavian Africa–Sardinia–Sicily; Lepidus would hold the city in 42 with three legions while massive field armies moved east. This mobilization led to Philippi and advanced Octavian’s path to supremacy.
Historical Evidence
"They met on “a small, depressed islet in the river Lavinius, near Mutina” and conferred for two days, each bringing five legions."
"Partition agreed: Antony to Gaul (except Narbonensis); Lepidus to Narbonensis and Spain; Octavian to Africa, Sardinia, and Sicily; plus eighteen Italian colonies for veterans."
"Upon entering Rome, they enacted their measures “through the tribunes,” paving the way for statutory legalization."
"The leaders traded lives: Cicero to Antony; Antony’s uncle L. Caesar to Octavian; Lepidus’ brother Paullus to the others—“most savage.”"
Part of Second Triumvirate Established
This meeting explains how the Second Triumvirate was established in 43 BCE and why it immediately reshaped Roman politics and war-making. It also marks a decisive step in Augustus’ timeline, supplying Octavian with legal authority and resources that led from Philippi to the Principate.