How did the triumvirs use proscriptions and confiscations to secure control of Italy?

The Second Triumvirate, consisting of Mark Antony, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, and Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus), utilized proscriptions as a brutal political and financial tool to consolidate their power in Italy starting in 43 BCE.12

By formally declaring their political enemies as outlaws, the triumvirs achieved two primary objectives:

• Elimination of Opposition: They used the lists to systematically rid themselves of rivals. The resulting executions claimed the lives of approximately 300 senators—including the orator Cicero—and 2,000 members of the equestrian order (knights).12
• Resource Acquisition: The process involved the state-sanctioned confiscation of the victims' properties. These assets provided the necessary funds for the triumvirs and, crucially, allowed them to secure land to settle their legions, thereby ensuring the loyalty of their troops.1

While many of the proscribed managed to escape, the policy served as a violent mechanism to suppress dissent and finance the military strength required to maintain control during the transition from the Roman Republic to the principate.13