Prompt Cast
The Remarkable Career of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, Rome's Greatest Number Two
TLDR Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, despite his humble origins, played a crucial role in Roman politics and military campaigns, serving as a lead prosecutor, military commander, and governor. His impressive achievements include constructing a hidden harbor, developing new naval technology, and defeating enemies such as Sextus and Mark Anthony, ultimately stabilizing the Roman Empire under Augustus's rule.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The greatest number two in history was Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa.
01:52
Agrippa's origin story is unlikely for a successful Roman, as he wasn't from Rome and his family wasn't in the nobility, but he served with Julius Caesar and studied with Octavian before their world changed forever.
03:14
Octavian and Agrippa formed a partnership in Roman politics, with Agrippa helping to raise troops and serving as a lead prosecutor, military commander, and governor before refusing a grand victory parade in order to avoid taking credit away from Octavian.
04:32
Agrippa, despite having no experience in naval warfare, constructed a hidden harbor, developed new naval technology, and trained his men in both naval and land combat, ultimately defeating Sextus and greatly increasing Octavian's popularity.
05:59
Agrippa played a crucial role in Octavian's victory over Mark Anthony at the Battle of Actium, capturing or destroying almost every ship Anthony controlled, and later served as consul and helped stabilize the empire under Augustus's rule.
07:18
Agrippa was given significant powers and authority by Augustus, and although he did not outlive Augustus, his descendants went on to become emperors of Rome.
08:36
Agrippa's career was impressive, as he was a skilled general, diplomat, civil engineer, geographer, and leader, and there is no evidence of any jealousy or attempts to usurp Augustus, making him the best number two in Rome's history.
