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1. Cunning Octavian Challenges Mark Antony: BARRY STRAUSS
Published 1 month, 1 week ago
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CAPTION ANTONY & CLEOPATRA
Cunning Octavian Challenges Mark Antony
Barry Strauss, author of The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium, Part One: This episode introduces the core conflict following Julius Caesar's death between his young, ambitious heir Octavianand his experienced lieutenant Mark Antony. Alongside Lepidus, they form the Second Triumvirate to defeat Caesar's assassins, ending with a major victory at Philippi attributed primarily to Antony. Despite Antony's pedigree, Octavian possesses supreme Machiavellian political cunning. In 41 BC, Antony meets Cleopatra, the incredibly wealthy and powerful queen of Egypt, establishing a critical military and financial alliance. Octavian counters this through the strategic marriage of Antony to his sister Octavia and aggressive information warfare in Rome. Guided by his brilliant, low-born military commander Marcus Agrippa, Octavian's star rises through the Illyrian war, while Antony suffers massive losses in Parthia. The conflict intensifies when Antony divorces Octavia, handing Octavian a massive propaganda victory. Antony's move forces a decisive showdown for ultimate control over the Roman world. Both camps prepare for an impending naval battle. (1)
Cunning Octavian Challenges Mark Antony
Barry Strauss, author of The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium, Part One: This episode introduces the core conflict following Julius Caesar's death between his young, ambitious heir Octavianand his experienced lieutenant Mark Antony. Alongside Lepidus, they form the Second Triumvirate to defeat Caesar's assassins, ending with a major victory at Philippi attributed primarily to Antony. Despite Antony's pedigree, Octavian possesses supreme Machiavellian political cunning. In 41 BC, Antony meets Cleopatra, the incredibly wealthy and powerful queen of Egypt, establishing a critical military and financial alliance. Octavian counters this through the strategic marriage of Antony to his sister Octavia and aggressive information warfare in Rome. Guided by his brilliant, low-born military commander Marcus Agrippa, Octavian's star rises through the Illyrian war, while Antony suffers massive losses in Parthia. The conflict intensifies when Antony divorces Octavia, handing Octavian a massive propaganda victory. Antony's move forces a decisive showdown for ultimate control over the Roman world. Both camps prepare for an impending naval battle. (1)