Battle of Mutina

The Battle of Mutina took place on April 21, 43 BC during the Mutinan War, a segment of the Roman Civil Wars following the assassination of the dictator Gaius Iulius Caesar.

Caesar's supporter Marcus Antonius besieged Decimus Iunius Brutus Albinus, who was involved in Caesar's assassination, in the city of Mutina (now Modena) in northern Italy in the spring of 43 BC, and was in turn besieged by troops of the Roman Senate commanded by the consul Aulus Hirtius and Caesar's adopted son Octavian (later Augustus).

Although Antony had suffered defeat at the Battle of Forum Gallorum on April 14 or 15, he decided to continue the siege of Mutina. The Senate field commanders wanted to take advantage of their success and force Antony into battle. On 21 April they advanced before Mutina, and Antony opposed them first with cavalry, then also with two legions, to prevent them from sacking the city. Further legions, which he called in as reinforcements, did not reach him in time to prevent his defeat. Octavian and Hirtius even temporarily invaded Antony's camp. Hirtius, however, fell in the action. With the help of Legio V Alaudae, Antony was able to recapture his camp, but realizing that his position in front of Mutina had become untenable, he withdrew westward the following day.

Since two days later the second consul, Gaius Vibius Pansa Caetronianus, also died of his wounds suffered in the battle of Forum Gallorum, Octavian was left as the only commander of the Senate (besides Decimus Brutus). However, from then on he represented his own interests, which led to the union with Antony later in the year (Second Triumvirate).