U4 AOS2 - Mark Antony and the Second Triumvirate (83 - 30 BCE)

Question 1

When did Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony) live?

Answer 1

83 - 30 BCE

Question 2

Who were Caesar’s 5 main possible heirs?

Answer 2

1. Mark Antony - Distinguished politician/commander, Caesar’s magister equitum [Plutarch].
2. Octavian - Expected to become Caesar’s magister equitum, Caesar’s adopted son and primary heir.
3. Decimus Brutus - Distinguished commander, co-conspirator responsible for Caesar’s assassination. DO NOT CONFUSE DECIMUS WITH MARCUS BRUTUS.
4. Marcus Aemilius Lepidus - Accomplished commander/politician, had troops near Rome and was in a position to oppose the conspirators.
5. Caesarion (Later Ptolemy 9) - While not mentioned in Caesar’s will, was Caesar’s biological son, therefore potential heir.

Question 3

When was the Second triumvirate created?

Answer 3

November 43 BCE

Question 4

“So the three men came together… they…”

Finish the quote from Plutarch

Answer 4

“…they divided up the whole empire among themselves.” (Plutarch)

Question 5

According to Plutarch “the first and second triumvirates… played a pivotal role in the…”

Finish the quote from Plutarch

Answer 5

“…in the downfall of the Republic.” (Plutarch)

Question 6

What feature of Sulla’s dictatorship did the second triumvirs bring back?

Answer 6

Proscriptions.

300 Senators were proscribed (Appian), including our boy Cicero (106 - 43 BCE)

The proscriptions led to the demise of many of the old families that had governed Rome, eliminating those who opposed the triumvirs.