Why did Marc Anthony loose the Battle of Actium?

by Jomsviking

I am, have been and always was absolutely engrossed by Roman history but this is the one part that I have never been able to wrap my head around.

This battle ended the Final War of the Roman Republic and created the Roman Empire as a result, making it one of the most important events in all of western history to say the least. However, It was always my understanding that Marc Anthony had the advantage over Octavian Caesar. Anthony had more men and certainly more experience than the self proclaimed boy emperor, so why was it that he lost so splendidly?

chris88zx
  1. Despite having what was seen as the better ships conditions didn't favour Antony, a malaria outbreak in his camp meant that many of his ships were undermanned and this especially hindered his quinqueremes ramming ability. The rough surf also made this worse as Octavians fleet was more manoeuvrable.
  2. Quintus Dellius defected to Octavian before the battle and brought Antony's plans with him
  3. Agrippa was an experienced admiral and is generally seen as one of the best generals of this period
  4. Despite Antony wanting to fight to the end, he was losing but it was definitely not a forgone conclusion, Cleopatra ordered the retreat of the Egyptian fleet because she feared for her own life and Antony left with her. Seeing this the remaining Romans surrendered