Marc Antony
Uploaded by *GeMsToNe* on Mar 05, 2007
Marc Antony, Military Leader
· Born: 83 B.C.
· Birthplace: Rome
· Died: 30 B.C. (suicide)
· Best Known As Cleopatra's ill-fated lover
Latin name: Marcus Antonius
Marc Antony was a general in the army that Julius Caesar ruled. Mark Antony was a part of an old aristocratic family in Rome. When he was 25 he joined the army and served honourably in Palestine and Egypt. After he joined Julius Caesar in Gaul and became one of his lieutenants. Because Marc was close to Julius he was appointed to different types public offices.
At the battle of Pharsalus Julius made him head of a division. After Caesar was killed in 44 B.C. Marc tried to control Rome. (At the funeral of Julius he spoke out strongly against the assassins) Marc joined up with Julius's adopted heir Octavian to get rid of Rome’s common enemies. They formed the Second Triumvirate with general Marcus Lepidus and split up the empire with Marc being given control of Egypt.
There he met and became the lover of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. When they meet each other Cleopatra dressed as the love goddess Venus and arriving on a beautifully decorated ship. Antony and Cleopatra joined forces and the triumvirate ended.
At the battle of Actium in 31 B.C. the followers of Octavian dug out the naval forces of Antony and Cleopatra. So Mac and Cleopatra were defeated by Octavian at Actium (Cleopatra hid while the battle was still on) A year later with Octavian's forces nearing Alexandria Antony committed suicide by falling on his sword. Cleopatra also commit suicide by letting a poisonous Egyptian snake bite her. And Octavian was left control of Egypt and Rome. Cleopatra had been in love with Julius Caesar before becoming the lover of Antony.
Antony had been married in order Fadia, Antonia (his direct cousin), Fulvia and Octavia (her brother is Octavian) and a number of children.
1. Marriage to Fadia
2. Marriage to Antonia Hybrida
According to Plutarch, Antony threw his cousin out of his Roman House because she slept with his friend the tribune Dolabella.
1. Marriage to Fulvia
· Marcus Antonius Antyllus
· Iullus Antonius
2. Marriage to Octavia Minor
· Antonia Major
· Antonia Minor
3. Children with Cleopatra
· Alexander Helios, the sun (twin)
· Cleopatra Selene, the moon (twin)
· Ptolemy Philadelphus
Marc Antony was hansom, athletic and gracious but not equal to Octavian’s efficiency, energy and in particular unwilling to grasp the moment for action. But he still was a great leader of men and a...