Carl Kincaid
Mrs. Dirksmeyer
COMM 1318_70
30 September 2017
Marc Antony and Cleopatra
Cleopatra and Marc Antony’s relationship first began as a strategic plot for both of them. That was the culture of this time period. Antony was first attracted to Cleopatra because of her wealth and power in Egypt. Cleopatra’s attraction to Antony began after the death of Julius Caesar. She saw the potential in Antony’s ability to take over the majority of the Roman empire. She also saw an opportunity to expand her allies.
After winning the war against Cassius and Brutus, Antony gained control over East Rome. “In 41 B.C., while on tour of his empire to make alliances and secure funds for attack on the Parthians in Iran, Antony met Cleopatra.”(Hays 2008) Cleopatra intentionally made Antony
…show more content…
They had two children together who were twins Alexander Helios (the Sun) and Cleopatra Selene (the Moon).(Haughton, p. 2011) Marc and Cleopatra’s relationship was very untraditional for their time period. They both ran from their customary relationships to be with one another. When word got out that the two were in a relationship, Octavian also known as Augustus was not pleased. He was mostly dissatisfied by the fact that Anthony made Cleopatra queen. This was perceived as being a traitor to the Romans. Octavian declared war on Antony’s army. (History.com Staff 2009) Antony was outnumbered and his forces surrendered. Marc like many war leaders of his time committed suicide by falling on his sword after failing to lead his army to victory. Octavian planned on selling Cleopatra into slavery, but prior to her capture Cleopatra barricaded herself in a tomb with most of her gold and wealth so that Octavian could not apprehend it. Cleopatra received word of Marc’s death and could not bare the news. Cleopatra was found in her tomb with a vial of poisonous snake venom. This was an honorable way for a woman of her status to