Antony + Cleopatra Flashcards
(15 cards)
Who was Sextus Pompey, and what threat did he pose to Rome?
Sextus Pompey was a pirate who controlled the Mediterranean Sea. He attacked Roman supply ships, threatening Rome’s grain supply and trade routes.
Plutarch says he was “harassing the coast of Italy” and had “made the sea un-sailable”.
What was the Treaty of Misenum?
A peace agreement made between Sextus Pompey, Antony, and Octavian. In exchange for stopping his attacks, Sextus Pompey was given control of Sardinia and Sicily.
Why did the Treaty of Misenum fail?
The peace didn’t last, and Sextus resumed hostile actions. This led to further negotiations and the need for a new agreement.
What was the Treaty of Tarentum, and who was involved?
A political agreement between Antony, Octavian, and Octavia (Octavian’s sister, Antony’s wife). It aimed to preserve the Second Triumvirate and prepare for future military actions.
What were the key terms of the Treaty of Tarentum?
The triumvirate was extended by 5 years. Antony’s son was to marry Octavian’s daughter. Antony would receive more soldiers for his Parthian campaign. Octavian would receive 120 ships from Antony to help defeat Sextus Pompey.
Despite the treaty, what problem did Antony still face?
Antony lacked the resources to successfully invade Parthia. He needed more grain, ships, and money.
How did Cleopatra become involved in Antony’s Parthian campaign?
Antony summoned Cleopatra and asked her to provide resources. In return, Cleopatra asked for Phoenicia, Coele Syria, Cyprus, and a large part of Cilicia.
How did the birth of Antony and Cleopatra’s children affect Roman opinion?
It angered the Roman public and Senate, who disapproved of Antony’s close ties with a foreign queen. This was seen as a betrayal of Roman values and his Roman wife, Octavia.
Plutarch says Antony “increased the scale of the scandal by acknowledging his two children by her”.
How did Antony’s relationship with Cleopatra benefit Rome materially?
Egypt’s resources — especially grain — were accessible to Rome. This helped Antony gain support by supplying food to the Roman population.
How did this relationship damage Antony’s reputation in Rome?
Cleopatra was a foreign queen, and Antony was seen as becoming foreign himself. Public opinion shifted against Antony, making Octavian more popular.
What role did Octavia play in this political narrative?
Antony was still officially married to Octavia. His affair with Cleopatra risked publicly embarrassing Octavian, threatening to spark a civil war.
What was the Roman reaction to Antony giving land to Cleopatra?
Romans were outraged that Roman territories were given away to a foreign power. This damaged Antony’s standing and made him seem unpatriotic.
How did the relationship with Antony provide dynastic security for Cleopatra?
Having Antony — one of Rome’s most powerful men — as a partner made Cleopatra’s position secure. No internal opposition could succeed without facing Roman retaliation.
How did Cleopatra benefit internally from this alliance?
With her rule secure, she could focus on improving Egypt. This allowed her to increase prosperity and popular support among Egyptians.
How did the relationship expand Egypt’s territory and resources?
Antony granted Cleopatra control over additional lands: Phoenicia, Coele Syria, Cyprus, and part of Cilicia. These lands boosted Egypt’s wealth, power, and geopolitical standing.
