34 BC

Events

### Rome

The year 34 BC was marked by significant events in Rome. The Consulate of Marc Antoine (Mark Antony) and Lucius Scribonius Libo took place, with Aemilius Lepidus Paullus serving as consul suffect.

### Military Campaigns

* **Illyria**: Octavian (Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian) launched a campaign in Illyria during the spring of 34 BC. This campaign led to the formation of the province of Illyricum, which included Dalmatia and Pannonia.
* **Armenia**: Mark Antony's campaign in Armenia was a major event of the year. King Artavazde II was deposed and taken prisoner along with his family. However, the Armenians resisted and elected a new king, Artaxias II, who had managed to escape from captivity. Mark Antony forced Artaxias to take refuge with the Parthians, and Canidius Crassus occupied Armenia with a strong garrison.
* **Egypt**: Mark Antony took King Artavazde to Egypt, where he was offered to Cleopatra VII. Unfortunately for Artavazde, he was killed by Cleopatra a few years later.

### Celebrations and Conquests

* **Triumph in Alexandria**: In the autumn of 34 BC, Mark Antony celebrated his triumph over Armenia in Alexandria, marking the first time a Roman triumph had been held outside Rome.
* **Gifts from Alexandria**: The Roman provinces of Libya, Coele-Syria, and Cyprus were granted to Cleopatra VII and Ptolemy XV as gifts. Additionally, the kingdoms of Armenia, Parthia, and Media (which remained unconquered) were promised to the Egyptian sovereigns.

Calendar

The year 34 BC was either a common year starting on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in the Julian calendar, or a leap year starting on Friday or Saturday. The Proleptic Julian calendar also designates it as a common year starting on Friday.