In the leap of 2009 , Egyptianarchaeologistsannounced that they might be on the verge of solving millenniums - old mysteries about one of history ’s greatest – and most tragical – romances . They ’re hope that one of three potential dig sites around Alexandria , Egypt , will reveal the final resting topographic point of Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII [ rootage : BBC ] .
Immortalized by Shakespeare and idealise in moving-picture show , the drama and intrigue between the influential Roman consul and the Egyptian queen reads like a perfectly craft screenplay . More than 2,000 twelvemonth after they committed suicide , scholar and expert still yearn to sleep with the fine details behind the fascinating plot of land points . WasCleopatraa stunning beauty ? Why did Mark Antony fall so completely for her ? Did she really pass from the stinging raciness of an asp ?
The Grecian historian and biographer Plutarch cast some light on the dynamics behind the steamy intimacy in his piece " Life of Mark Antony . " He confirms that Cleopatra was attractive , knavish and spoke multiple languages with rest . Before she and Mark Antony became involved , Cleopatra secretly plead toJulius Caesarfor help reclaim the Egyptian throne from her brother , Ptolemy . To meet him undetected , a retainer transported Cleopatra inside a axial motion of carpeting that she tumbled out of for a memorable entree . Later , she alleged that her first boy , Caesarion , was Caesar ’s true inheritor , although the R.C. leader never confirmed his paternity .
But as Robert Burns wrote , the well - laid plans often go awry . In the goal , the destiny of Antony and Cleopatra ’s relationship , as well as that of the westerly humanity , moil down to a abbreviated naval encounter off the coast of Greece . TheBattle of Actiumin 31 B.C. pitted Octavius , Julius Caesar ’s heir , against the calculate couple in an inauspicious - fated power maneuver for the control of Rome .
Background to the Battle of Actium
After Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C. , Antony and Octavius began contend for the top spot in Rome . Although Caesar named Octavius as his rightful heir , Antony considered him too inexperienced . Militarily talk , Antony had more notches in his belt and wielded greater influence over the Roman Senate . But in a spirit of coalition , Antony , Octavius and Marcus Lepidus formed theSecond Triumviratein 43 B.C. to share command of Rome . But just like the original Triumvirate , comprised of Julius Caesar , Pompey and Crassus , collapsed , the second incarnation did n’t fare well .
A span of years later , in 41 B.C. , Antony and Cleopatra met for the first metre as adults ( he met her in brief when she was a minor ) in Tarsus [ source : Porter ] . mean to face up her about possibly aiding one of Julius Caesar ’s assassin , the encounter would fire romance instead . Married to his third wife , Fulvia , Antony had a reputation for wanton ways with women . Contemporary historian key brassy party and splurge that he attended even after his consuming passion for Cleopatra ignited .
In reception , Octavius launched a full - scale of measurement campaign against Mark Antony in the Roman Senate . When Antony drafted a loyal consul to talk out on his behalf , Octavius shell him to the clout by create what he claim to be Mark Antony ’s will . Reading it before the Senate , the papers adumbrate Antony ’s design to bequeath meaning property to Cleopatra and her children and to be buried beside the queen in Alexandria . That alone convert a majority of the senators , fearing the ingenious queen ’s potential land snatch , to side with Octavius .
warfare was on the view . Octavius readied the papist legions with the glorious general Agrippa at his side . To the Dixie , Antony and Cleopatra joined effect on the Grecian coast for the impending fighting . On Sept. 2 , 31 B.C. , hundreds of ships receive in the Ionian Sea as the Battle of Actium get down .
Actium Aftershock
It ’s one of the most all important naval clash in chronicle , but the Battle of Actium scarcely lasted longer than a solar day . flank from behind by 60 of Cleopatra ’s Egyptian warships , Antony ’s fleet of 500 miss speed . His heavily armoredquinqueremesships , designed with bronze arc to ram down into enemy fleets , trudged through thewater . Agrippa tried to maneuver his speedier boats around the back of Antony ’s fleet , do the lines of fight to break in the center [ source : Davis ] . As Octavius ' military group advanced , the outcome appeared grim for Antony and Cleopatra . What happened next determined the course of history for the next 400 long time .
Cleopatra ’s fleet raised its cruise and push through the opening . But it was n’t in pastime of Octavius ; Egypt was recede . Once Mark Antony notice that Cleopatra was fleeing , he and 40 other ships work course to follow . Catching up to her ship , Antony room but did n’t verbalize to his Egyptian wife . He recognise that the remaining ships and the 5,000 men on them could n’t defend themselves , and the struggle was fall back . The barren consul reportedly sat with his head in hands , barely proceed for the next three days .
Cleopatra has since been characterize as cunning and at long last cowardly , but scholars have given her a 2d chance . It would ’ve been unconvincing that a ship heading into fight would hang sheet like Cleopatra ’s , relying on oarsmen instead . Rather , she may have watch over premeditated plans to break from the combat and regroup [ source : Burstein ] . In that case , Mark Antony ’s climb-down was the unequivocal blunder .
No matter the whipping boy , the frustration at the Battle of Actium reinstate Octavius ' command over Rome and spelled doom for Antony and Cleopatra . Knowing a dreary fate loomed , a depressed Antony take alone safety in Alexandria , Egypt . Hearing a false rumour that Cleopatra had drop dead , Antony killed himself .
Soon after , Octavius marched into Alexandria and captured Cleopatra . In the face of punishment , on Aug. 12 , 31 B.C. , Cleopatra and two handmaid commit suicide . According to Virgil and other modern-day poets , smuggled serpents provided the disastrous venom . But the potency and fastness of last have suggested poisonous substance as the execution weapon [ source : Chauveau and Lorton ] .
With his principal enemies dead , Octavius consolidated his power and renamed himself Augustus Caesar . triumph at the Battle of Actium at once squelched Antony and Cleopatra ’s flame and sparked the beginning of the Roman Empire . The next 400 years molded the foundation of westerly civilization , but today , our more pressing questions beleaguer that fiery couple who dare to unite and pursue imperial dream .
