Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa

Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (c. 63 BC – 12 BC) was a Roman general, statesman, and builder who was Augustus' intimate friend, son-in-law, and lieutenant. He is well remembered for his significant military triumphs, most notably the Battle of Actium in 31 BC against Mark Antony and Cleopatra's armies.

Born to a plebeian family in an unknown place in Roman Italy in 63 BC, he met the future emperor Augustus, then known as Octavian, at Apollonia in Illyria. After his great-uncle Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, Octavian went to Italy. He was chosen tribune of the plebs around this period. Agrippa fought as a military commander in the Battle of Philippi, alongside Octavian and Caesar's former general and right-hand man Mark Antony. In 38 BC, he put down an Aquitanian uprising and defeated the Germanic tribes. He was consul for 37 BC, significantly younger than the usual minimum age of 43, to oversee military preparations against Sextus Pompey, who had shut off food imports to Rome.

In 36 BC, Agrippa defeated Pompey in the wars of Mylae and Naulochus. In 31 BC, Agrippa led the victorious Octavian navy at the Battle of Actium. Following the victory at Actium, Octavian was elevated to the throne and given the title Augustus, while Agrippa remained his close friend and lieutenant. He was also given powers comparable to those of Augustus. He possessed veto power over Senate acts and the authority to bring laws to the People for approval. He died between the ages of 50 and 51 in 12 BC. Augustus paid tribute to his memory with a splendid burial and mourned for over a month. His remains were interred in Augustus' tomb.