Civil War with Antony Flashcards
What information/actions did Octavian highlight in his war of propaganda against Antony?
Antony donated territory to Cleopatra and their children.
He divorced Octavia in a letter.
In his will - he recognised Ptolemy Caesar as Caesar’s true son and heir; he left territory to Cleopatra’s children; he wanted to be buried in Alexandria (Egypt).
Who did the Romans declare war against in 33 BC?
Cleopatra and the Egyptians (not Antony)
What powers did Octavian retain after the triumvirate officially ended in 33 BC?
Triumviral powers, tribunician sacrosanctity, consul in 31.
When was the Battle of Actium?
31 BC
What was the nature of the Battle of Actium?
Naval - Roman fleet against Antony and Cleopatra’s joint fleet. According to Plutarch, Antony had 440 ships, Cleopatra had 60 and Octavian and Agrippa had a smaller force.
What was Octavian/Agrippa’s strategy at the Battle of Actium?
They blockaded Antony’s fleet in the Bay of Actium and cut him off from supplies and communication.
What let to Antony and Cleopatra losing the Battle of Actium?
Antony’s troops were weakened by hunger and malaria after the blockade. Cleopatra’s fleet broke through the blockade but this was not communicated to Antony. Antony followed in a hurry, abandoning most of his fleet.
What did Octavian do immediately after the Battle of Actium?
He was hailed as imperator for the 6th time. They returned to Italy to settle the veterans and pay the troops.
What happened in 30 BC?
Octavian invaded Egypt. Antony committed suicide, believing Cleopatra was already dead. Cleopatra was unable to win Octavian over and also committed suicide. Octavian annexed Egypt and it became the emperor’s private province.
What happened to Antony and Cleopatra’s children?
Ptolemy Caesar and Antony’s son by Fulvia were killed. The three children of Antony and Cleopatra were taken to Rome to be raised by Octavia (Octavian’s sister and Antony’s ex-wife).
What action symbolised the restoration of order in Rome?
The gates to the Temple of Janus were closed in January 29 BC for the first time in 200 hundreds years. Closed gates means peace.
