On 2 September 31 BC, two superpowers, Egypt and Rome, met head-on for the first and last time in history. The outcome was the Battle of Actium, which would change the course of history and lead directly to the foundation of the Roman Empire. In a compelling new chronicle, brought vividly to life with expressive anecdotes and moving eye-witness accounts, 31 BC explores the chain of events that culminated in the fall of Egypt. A sequel to the popular ''AD 410: the Year that Shook Rome'', ''31 BC'' reveals the tragic romance between Antony and Cleopatra, boldly characterising the central charismatic personalities of the time. Illustrated with evocative locations and iconic objects from the British Museum and elsewhere, ''31 BC: Antony, Cleopatra and the Fall of Egypt'' is a dramatic story of a defining moment in history, retold with excitement and vigour from the Egyptian standpoint.