Julius Caesar Research Paper

After the unexpected demise of Emperor Caesar, the fight for control over Rome roared to life fought by two bitter enemies, Marcus Antonius and Octavian, creating the beginning of what would be the final war of the Roman Republic. This fight for power caused major conflict between a dangerous love triangle of powerful leaders, Octavian, Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra, leading to the ultimate demise of two powerful ancient rulers. These men were bitter rivals from the first moment Octavian was announced as Julius Caesar's heir, the fight for power birthing tension and conflict between the two, both thirsty for and willing to kill, manipulate and lie to reach ultimate control. The importance of the conflict between the two is showed in the failed

Antony and Octavian’s relationship was one brought about in a time of great turbulence. One of the greatest reasons why the relationship was doomed from the beginning was that the pair both felt they were the rightful heir of Julius Caesar: both were ambitious and wanted to be in sole power and rule Rome. After the triumvirate was created, Mark Antony was given the task of ruling the East, and Octavian the West. This was a threat to Octavian as the East was richer, forcing him to take his own steps to ensure Antony would not gain control over the whole of Rome. However, Octavian’s control of the West gave him influence in the Senate, controlling political and military decisions. This gave him an advantage over Antony, leading to Marcus retreating to Cleopatra for military support. Following that Octavian found it easier to persuade the Senate and the Romans that Cleopatra had influenced

Ultimately it is clear that the tension and bad feelings between Octavian and Antonius are what illicitly lead to the failed alliance between them. It was on Octavian’s behalf that Antony’s supposed Will was discovered and read to the Senate, posing threats to the future of Rome. To produce propaganda against Antonius, Octavian obtained a document that was supposedly Antony’s Will and openly vilified its contents to the senators. This document held information on ‘’Antony’s wishes to proclaim Cleopatra Queen of Kings over the lands of Egypt and Cyprus, along with Caesar’s bastard Caesarion, who Antony recognised as legitimate and named King of Kings. He bequeathed many lands in the east to the children of Cleopatra as well as his own. However, what alarmed the senate enormously was his intent on being buried in Egypt as opposed to Rome. It disgusted much of the senatorial elite, Octavian had succeeded in “proving] that his rival had failed to conduct himself as befitted a Roman citizen” A source from Plutarch ( 32 BC ) “When Caesar heard of the rapidity and extent of Antony's preparations, he was much disturbed, fearing lest he should be forced to settle the issue of the war during that summer.1 For he was lacking in many things, and people were vexed by the exactions of taxes.” The Will was the breaking point of the Senate and they declared Antony as a traitor