3 - Cleo through Roman eyes Flashcards
1
Q
How does Plutarch describe Cleo? ( The shameless Seducer)
A
- Cunning/forthcoming
- Motives to seduce Caesar
- Provocative Impudence = disrespectful/shameless
- Actions less than regal (i.e little trick)
2
Q
How could Plutarch’s passage be seen differently? (the shameless seducer)
A
- Clever/quick-witted
- Strategic + needed Caesars help
- passage is biased
- Through she’d get further by working with Romans than reject them
- Successful strategy (ended civil war + re-established her as co ruler of E)
- Caesar could be impressed by initiative + bravery opposed to charm.
3
Q
How does Augustus represent M.A and his relationship with Cleo/Egypt?
A
- Bewitched
- Prefers royal luxuries
- Seen as feminine not a strong Roman general (no longer a threat)
- Backwards lifestyle ‘slaved’ to a women/worship animals
- Vastly different life
- Only need to look at M.A to see Egypt’s threat to Rome
4
Q
What does Plutarch say about M.A love for Cleo have on his character? (Life of Antony)
A
- Downfall
- drove M.A mad
- Lost his redeeming roman qualities
- Cleo = fatal influence
- She brings out his worst qualities/supresses his better traits.
5
Q
Did Plutarch value any aspect of Cleo’s life?
A
Her suicide
On her own terms + avoided humiliation
Very roman aristocrat style - death over dishonour.
6
Q
How is Rome vs Egypt described?
A
Rome:
Manly, disciplined, principled.
Egypt:
Effeminate, reckless, indulgent, debauched
7
Q
How did Octavian benefit from M.A and Cleo’s relationship?
A
- Propaganda culture + stereotyping (Vilification)
- Created conflict
