Professor Jeff Tatum discusses Mark Antony's rise to power, clashes with Octavian, and infamous bond with Cleopatra. They explore Antony's maneuvers post-Caesar's assassination, his deteriorating friendship with Cicero, and his relationships. The podcast delves into parallels with Julius Caesar, Antony's downfall in the civil war, and his impactful legacy on the Roman Empire.
Mark Antony's rise to power after Caesar's assassination showcases his military prowess and political acumen in filling the power vacuum left by Caesar.
The formation of the Second Triumvirate with Octavian and Lepidus highlights Antony's strategic alliances to consolidate power and restore the Roman Republic.
Deep dives
Anthony's Reaction to Caesar's Assassination
After Julius Caesar's assassination, Mark Antony takes steps to preserve Caesar's legacy by emphasizing his importance through a funeral oration. He starts crafting his political future and policies, forging an Antonian policy while facing opposition from figures like Cicero, who turns against him and delivers blistering speeches.
Tensions with Cicero and Political Maneuvers
Tensions between Mark Antony and Cicero escalate as Cicero sides with Brutus and Cassius against Antony. Cicero becomes a vocal enemy of Antony, delivering speeches attacking him and his policies, leading to a bitter enmity between the two prominent figures.
Military Challenges and Civil Unrest
Mark Antony faces challenges from Octavian's rise to power and Cicero's opposition, leading to military alliances and confrontations. Anthony's attempts to mobilize troops and assert his authority face setbacks and power struggles, hinting at the impending civil unrest and clashes.
Formation of the Second Triumvirate
To navigate the political landscape and counter opposition, Mark Antony forms the Second Triumvirate with Octavian and Lepidus, consolidating power to restore the Roman Republic. The Triumvirate gains absolute power, with a focus on avenging Caesar's death and punishing his enemies, marking a pivotal shift in Roman politics.
After the death of his patron Julius Caesar, the Roman world was Mark Antony’s for the taking. His triumph over Caesar’s assassins at Phillipi in 42 BC only served to cement his legendary status as Rome’s most feared commander. But then came Octavian and Cleopatra…
In this episode of The Ancients - the second, and final part of our special series on the life of Mark Antony - Tristan is once again joined by Professor Jeff Tatum to discuss how Antony filled the power vacuum left by Caesar’s assassination. They then retell and assess his fight for power with Rome’s latest young upstart, Octavian and the fateful events that led to his demise at the court of Cleopatra.
This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Peter Dennis.
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