Military confrontations between the triumvirate and Sextus…
39 BCE
Military confrontations between the triumvirate and Sextus have failed to return a conclusive victory for either side.
Sextus, occupying Sicily and blockading Italy, has helped Mark Antony against Octavian and, now that they have renewed their agreement, as the Roman people are rioting, forces them to make a formal treaty with him in the Pact of Misenum in 39.
Sextus lifts the blockade on Italy once the Trimivrate grants him the governorship of Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, the Peloponnese, agrees to compensate him for his father’s confiscated property, and ensures him a future position as consul for the year 35 BCE.
Sextus also agrees to stop accepting fugitive slaves to his cause.
The reason for this peace treaty is the anticipated campaign against the Parthian Empire: Antony, the leader in this endeavor, needs all the legions he can get so it is useful to secure an armistice in the Sicilian front.