Of this party Brutus and Cassius were still at the head.
The scene of the contests between Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus had been chiefly Italy and the other central countries of Europe.

Brutus and Cassius, on the other hand, had gone across the Adriatic Sea into the East immediately after Caesar's assassination.

They were now in Asia Minor, and were employed in concentrating their forces, forming alliances with the various Eastern powers, raising troops, bringing over to their side the Roman legions which were stationed in that quarter of the world, seizing magazines, and exacting contributions from all who could be induced to favor their cause.

Among other embassages which they sent, one went to Egypt to demand aid from Cleopatra.

Cleopatra, however, was resolved to join the other side in the contest.