Hydarnes the Elder vs Marcus Antonius

Hydarnes was one of the seven Persian nobles who conspired to overthrow Gaumata, the Magian usurper who had seized the throne after Cambyses II's death. He participated in the assassination of Gaumata, paving the way for Darius I to become king.

Darius I appointed Hydarnes as governor of the central satrapies of the Achaemenid Empire, a region encompassing Media and surrounding territories. He administered this key area, ensuring loyalty and collecting tribute for the crown.

Hydarnes commanded the elite Persian infantry unit known as the Immortals during the Second Persian invasion of Greece. He led them at the Battle of Thermopylae, where they outflanked the Greek position via the Anopaia path, leading to the Greek defeat.

Antony formed the Second Triumvirate with Octavian and Lepidus, legally dividing the Roman world among themselves. They proscribed their enemies, including Cicero, and consolidated power to defeat Caesar's assassins.

Antony and Octavian defeated the forces of Brutus and Cassius at Philippi in Macedonia. Antony commanded the decisive victory, leading to the deaths of both conspirators and ending the Republican resistance.

Antony formalized his alliance with Cleopatra VII of Egypt, marrying her and recognizing their children as rulers of various eastern territories. The Donations of Alexandria granted Roman lands to Ptolemaic heirs, provoking outrage in Rome.

Antony's fleet was decisively defeated by Octavian's forces under Agrippa at Actium in Greece. Cleopatra's ships fled, and Antony followed, abandoning his army. This defeat ended his bid for power.

After Octavian's forces captured Alexandria, Antony attempted suicide by stabbing himself. He died in Cleopatra's arms. His death ended the civil war and paved the way for Octavian to become Augustus, the first Roman emperor.