This document identifies historical sources that are missing or partially lost, which could illuminate Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa’s naval career (38–12 BCE), particularly his role in the Roman civil wars and movements between the Battle of Actium (31 BCE) and Octavian’s triumph (29 BCE). These gaps challenge our understanding of Agrippa’s contributions to Rome’s naval dominance.

Known Missing Sources

Augustus’ Autobiography

  • Period Covered: Up to 25 BCE
  • Status: Lost, fragments preserved in later sources
  • Relevance: Likely detailed Agrippa’s naval victories (e.g., Mylae/Naulochus 36 BCE, Actium 31 BCE) and post-Actium consolidation (31–29 BCE). Expected to be propagandistic, emphasizing Octavian’s leadership.
  • Sources: Everitt, Augustus (2006), Preface, xi; Cambridge Ancient History, Volume X (CAH X)

Agrippa’s Memoirs

  • Period Covered: Likely 38–12 BCE
  • Status: Lost, no known fragments
  • Relevance: Primary source for Agrippa’s naval campaigns (36, 31 BCE) and post-Actium activities (31–29 BCE). Critical for technical details on fleet strategy and logistics.
  • Source: Everitt (2006), xi

Asinius Pollio’s History

  • Period Covered: Post-44 BCE
  • Status: Lost, influenced later sources
  • Relevance: Likely covered Agrippa’s naval role in 36 and 31 BCE, and political activities in 31–29 BCE, possibly with less Augustan bias.
  • Sources: Everitt (2006), xi; CAH X

Messala’s Commentaries

  • Period Covered: Post-44 BCE
  • Status: Lost, no known fragments
  • Relevance: Likely mentioned Agrippa’s naval campaigns (36, 31 BCE) and post-Actium activities (31–29 BCE).
  • Source: Everitt (2006), xi

Livy’s History of Rome (Books 103–133)

  • Period Covered: 44–9 BCE
  • Status: Lost, summaries survive
  • Relevance: Likely chronicled Agrippa’s naval victories (36, 31 BCE), post-Actium movements (31–29 BCE), and later administrative roles.
  • Sources: Everitt (2006), xi; CAH X

Appian’s Egyptian History

  • Period Covered: 31–30 BCE
  • Status: Lost
  • Relevance: Likely described Actium (31 BCE) and Alexandria (30 BCE), focusing on Agrippa’s naval strategy.
  • Sources: Everitt (2006), xi; CAH X

Q. Dellius’ Writings

  • Period Covered: Triumviral period
  • Status: Lost, no fragments
  • Relevance: Insider account of Actium (31 BCE), likely detailing Agrippa’s naval tactics.
  • Source: CAH X

Octavian’s Correspondence with Cicero

  • Period Covered: 44–43 BCE
  • Status: Lost
  • Relevance: Possibly mentioned Agrippa’s early roles, but less relevant for naval career (38–12 BCE).
  • Sources: Everitt (2006), xi; CAH X

Nicolaus of Damascus’ Life of Augustus

  • Period Covered: Augustus’ early life (to c. 44 BCE)
  • Status: Partially surviving (fragments)
  • Relevance: Limited for naval career, but may mention Agrippa’s early activities. Propagandistic, tied to Herod I.
  • Source: Everitt (2006), xi

Contribution Opportunities

We invite researchers to suggest additional lost sources, archaeological evidence, or secondary analyses to address these gaps. Please submit via GitHub Issues using the New Entry or Contested Entry templates. See Contributing Guidelines for details.

Notes

  • Gaps in propaganda-related sources are discussed in /Propaganda/missing-sources.md.
  • Sources marked as “propagandistic” may overstate Octavian’s role or understate Agrippa’s contributions.

Last Updated: July 15, 2025