Eight kilometers north of Preveza, in a lush landscape that spreads over 9,000 acres, is located Ancient Nicopolis. On the 2nd of September 31 B.C., the sea battle of Actium took place between the fleet of Octavius and that of Cleopatra, during which Octavius’ fleet prevailed. In honor of his victory, Octavius built Nicopolis on the southernmost edge of Epirus, which was soon developed into a city. Its three harbors, its excellent geographical location at the crossroads not only of Epirus - Akarnania but also of Greece - Italy, rendered it in an extremely attractive destination in the wider Mediterranean region. The city continued to be inhabited well into the Byzantine years. During the 1st century B.C. and 1st and 2nd centuries A.D., the city was decorated with magnificent public buildings and works of art. Some of these have been preserved and can be seen to these days, including the famed Aqueduct, the city’s fortification walls (Roman), the Odeon, theater, baths and the August's monument. During the period when Romans had conquered most of the entire known world, Nicopolis developed into one of the largest trade and transport centers because of its strategic location. Its harbors of Komaros and Vathi are well-known. During the Paleochristian era (4th century A.D.), due to the seiges that Nicopolis was facing, its trade activity became limited and its inhabitants turned to farming and constructed a new wall encircling a smaller expanse. The city nevertheless carried on as capital of a vast province known as "OLD EPIRUS". In 540 A.D. Justinian repaired the already existing Paleochristian walls in an effort to protect the city from enemy raids. These walls (Byzantine) have been preserved in excellent condition, and include 35 square and semi-circular towers. During this period 6 large Basilicas were built and the monuments that have been uncovered testify the Nicopolis’ zenith period during the 6th century A.D. Apostle Paul included Nicopolis in his tour (62-63 A.D.) and according to some references, he established Nicopolis Church. In 44 A.D., the stoic philosopher Epictitus (50 - 120 A.D.) fled for refuge to Nicopolis and stayed for the rest of his life when his tuitions (teachings) evoked the general clamour of Rome. Earthquakes, raids and fires finally desolated the laid waste to the city in the 10th and 11th centuries A.D.