In this podcast, Dr Jane Draycott tells the story of Antony and Cleopatra’s war with Octavian, while Professor Philip Freeman, Professor Catherine Steel and Professor Barry Strauss reflect on the legacy of the Ides of March. The podcast explores the love story between Antony and Cleopatra, the rivalry between Octavian and Antony, the rise of Octavian as Rome's first emperor, and the significance of Julius Caesar's death and its impact on history.
Mark Antony's alliance with Cleopatra led to a clash with Octavian, resulting in the rise of the Roman Empire.
Caesar's assassination marked a turning point, ending the Roman Republic and inspiring future assassins.
Deep dives
The Rise and Fall of Antony and Cleopatra
This episode delves into the relationship between Mark Antony and Cleopatra following the assassination of Julius Caesar. Antony formed a powerful alliance with Cleopatra, creating a rift with Octavian, who held a questionable claim to Caesar's legacy. As Antony and Cleopatra's forces crumbled, Octavian emerged triumphant, becoming the first Roman Emperor and establishing the Roman Empire. The episode explores the significance of Caesar's assassination, discussing the possibilities that could have unfolded if he had lived. It highlights how the death of Caesar ultimately led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of monarchy.
The Love Story of Mark Antony and Cleopatra
Mark Antony's relationship with Cleopatra, compared to his previous alliance with Julius Caesar, was considered more meaningful and potentially a genuine love story. Their decade-long affair was politically and personally significant, leading to a clash with Octavian, who was hailed as Caesar's rightful heir. Octavian used Antony's relationship with Cleopatra as a weapon of propaganda, depicting Antony as "going native" and abandoning Roman traditions. The tension between Octavian and Antony escalated into a war, culminating in the battle of Actium. While Octavian painted it as a decisive victory, the reality was more nuanced, and the doomed love affair between Antony and Cleopatra deteriorated until their tragic deaths.
The Legacies of Caesar's Assassination
Caesar's assassination had profound consequences for both Roman and world history. It marked a turning point, ending the Republic and paving the way for Octavian to become Rome's first emperor, Augustus. The Roman Empire would endure for centuries. However, Caesar's survival might have led to a different outcome, potentially a reformed oligarchy or a committee-based governance. The assassination symbolized the struggle between tyranny and the Republic, even if its intended purpose to save the Republic failed. The assassination's significance is evident in how it inspired figures like John Wilkes Booth. Ultimately, the murder of Caesar changed the world, albeit differently from the assassins' intentions.
In the concluding part of our new series on Julius Caesar’s rise and fall, we take the story on to its dramatic coda as battles continue to rage over who will ultimately succeed the murdered dictator. Rob Attar is joined by Dr Jane Draycott to tell the story of Antony and Cleopatra’s war with Octavian, while Professor Philip Freeman, Professor Catherine Steel and Professor Barry Strauss reflect on the legacy of the Ides of March.
The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.