<P> The reduced role of Lepidus is evident in the fact that far fewer coins depict him from this point on, and a number of triumviral edicts are issued in the names of Antony and Octavian only . </P> <P> Octavian's land redistribution caused widespread tensions, as farmers were dispossessed in favour of soldiers . Antony's brother Lucius Antonius, who was serving as Consul, stood up for the dispossessed farmers . The conflict led to the Perusine War, in which Lucius gathered an army of supporters to challenge Octavian . He was encouraged by Mark Antony's wife Fulvia . Lepidus held Rome with two legions while Octavian left to gather his army, but Lucius defeated Lepidus, who was forced to flee to Octavian . As Octavian advanced on Rome, Lucius withdrew to Perusia (Perugia), where he was besieged by Octavian in the winter of 41 - 40 BC . He finally surrendered in exchange for clemency . The outcome was that Lepidus was confirmed as governor of Africa, acquiring six of Antony's legions, leaving Octavian as the sole power in Italy, with his own loyal legions in control . When Antony's supporter Calenus, governor of Gaul, died, Octavian took over his legions, further strengthening his control over the west . This new distribution of power among the triumvirs was confirmed by the Treaty of Brundisium in September 40 BC . At around the same time, Antony's wife Fulvia died . Octavian arranged for Antony to marry his sister, Octavia, as a symbol of the renewed alliance . </P> <P> The economic problems caused by the eviction of established farmers were exacerbated by the control of Sextus Pompey over Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia . Pompey's navy regularly intercepted Roman shipping, leading to problems with the grain supply . In 39 BC Antony and Octavian decided to negotiate an agreement to stop the piracy . According to Appian, Sextus hoped to replace Lepidus as the third triumvir, but instead he was confirmed in possession of the islands by the Pact of Misenum, in return agreeing to stop his piracy . According to one source Sextus' second - in - command Menas advised him to kidnap and kill Antony and Octavian while they were celebrating the deal at a dinner on Sextus's flagship, but Sextus refused . </P> <P> Despite the agreement, conflicts continued . Octavian accused Sextus of continuing to raid Italian towns . In the following year Octavian attempted to take Sicily by force . He was defeated twice in naval battles off Messina . He then arranged a meeting with Antony, who was planning to attack Parthia and needed troops . Antony agreed to deliver ships for the attack on Sextus in exchange for troops to fight the Parthians . Octavian also secured the support of Lepidus, planning a simultaneous joint attack on Sicily . </P>

Who were the members of the second triumvirate why was it necessary