Mark Antony
Roman general and politician, key in Republic's fall.
Marcus Antonius (14 January 83 BC – 1 August 30 BC), commonly known in English as Mark Antony, was a Roman politician and general who played a critical role in the transformation of the Roman Republic from a constitutional republic into the autocratic Roman Empire. He was a relative and supporter of Julius Caesar, serving as one of his generals during the conquest of Gaul and Caesar's civil war. After Caesar's assassination, Antony joined forces with Lepidus and Octavian to form the Second Triumvirate, which defeated Caesar's killers and divided the Republic among themselves. His rivalry with Octavian ultimately led to civil war, his defeat at the Battle of Actium, and his suicide in Egypt.
- born
- 14 January 83 BC, Rome
- died
- 1 August 30 BC, Egypt (suicide)
- field
- Politics, military command
- nationality
- Roman
- known_for
- Second Triumvirate, relationship with Cleopatra VII, Battle of Actium
Lore & Background
Antony was a member of the plebeian gens Antonia, born in Rome. His father was Marcus Antonius Creticus, and his mother Julia was a third cousin of Julius Caesar. After his father's death, Antony and his brothers were raised by their mother, who later married Publius Cornelius Lentulus Sura, executed for involvement in the Catilinarian conspiracy. According to Plutarch, Antony's youth involved gambling, drinking, and scandalous love affairs; Cicero charged him with a homosexual relationship with Gaius Scribonius Curio, though such slander was common. Antony began his military career in 57 BC as commander of the cavalry under Aulus Gabinius in Syria, achieving his first distinctions at Alexandrium and Machaerus. He participated in Gabinius' invasion of Egypt in 55 BC to restore Pharaoh Ptolemy XII Auletes, and later claimed to have first met Cleopatra, then 14, during this campaign.
Reader's Guide
Mark Antony's significance lies in his central role during the Roman Republic's transition to empire. As a general under Julius Caesar, he helped secure Caesar's conquests and later, after Caesar's assassination, formed the Second Triumvirate with Octavian and Lepidus. This oligarchy defeated the Liberatores at Philippi and divided the Republic, with Antony taking the eastern provinces, including Egypt. His alliance with Cleopatra VII produced three children and deepened his rift with Octavian. The expulsion of Lepidus and the breakdown of relations led to civil war, culminating in Antony's defeat at Actium and his suicide. His death left Octavian as undisputed master of Rome, leading to the establishment of the Roman Empire under Augustus. Antony's life exemplifies the personal ambition and political violence that ended the Republic.
Did You Know?
- Antony claimed descent from Anton, a son of the Greek hero Heracles, and sometimes harnessed lions to his chariot to commemorate this.
- He married Octavian's sister Octavia in 40 BC to avert civil war, but continued his love affair with Cleopatra.
- Antony's father was given a military command against pirates but died in Crete in 71 BC without making significant progress.
- He served as a priest of the Lupercal cult later in life.
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