Beggining Of A Civil War + Battle Of Actium Flashcards
(26 cards)
What happened during Antony’s campaign in Parthia?
He initially had some success but lost over 30,000 men. Returned to Syria to await supplies from Cleopatra. At the same time, Octavian defeated Sextus Pompey, gaining public favor while Antony’s reputation suffered.
How did Octavian manipulate Antony and Octavia’s marriage?
Allowed Octavia to sail to Athens with supplies, hoping her mistreatment would justify war. Plutarch: Antony told her to remain in Athens, praised her publicly but didn’t see her.
How did Cleopatra manipulate Antony?
Plutarch: Cleopatra wept, pretended to be ill, and used servants to guilt-trip Antony. She portrayed Octavia as political and herself as emotionally loyal. Antony feared Cleopatra might commit suicide, so he returned to Alexandria.
What did Antony do after leaving Octavia?
Cut ties with her completely. Minted coins of himself and Cleopatra, portraying joint rule. The Roman public saw this as Antony becoming a foreigner.
What were the Donations of Alexandria?
Antony legitimised Cleopatra’s children and gave them kingdoms: Caesarion: co-ruler with Cleopatra, Alexander: Armenia, Media, Parthia, Ptolemy: Phoenicia, Syria, Cilicia. Seen as a power grab and betrayal of Rome.
How did Octavian react to the Donations of Alexandria?
Outraged; saw it as Antony building a dynasty. Began public attacks, portraying Antony as a traitor. Eventually had Antony declared an enemy of Rome.
List the main causes of the Battle of Actium.
- Antony’s treatment of Octavia – even evicted her from their house (Plutarch).
- Donations of Alexandria – viewed as betrayal.
- Propaganda – Octavian’s ally Calvisius accused Antony of humiliating Roman values (e.g., gifting Pergamum’s library to Cleopatra).
- Antony’s will – Octavian stole and read it in the Senate.
- Cleopatra’s influence – seen as a sorceress who alienated Antony’s friends.
- Ambition – both men sought absolute power.
What were Antony’s military strengths and weaknesses?
Over 500 fighting ships, 100,000 infantry, 12,000 cavalry. But ships were undermanned and poorly crewed. (Plutarch)
What did Octavian have for the battle?
250 warships, 80,000 infantry, and equal cavalry. Better preparation, more disciplined forces. (Plutarch)
What was Antony’s biggest flaw according to Plutarch?
Ignored military advice and was ‘dragged along by Cleopatra’. Fought at sea even though he was stronger on land.
How did the Battle of Actium unfold?
In the early stages of the war, it seemed as though Antony was on track for victory. Plutarch tells us ‘Antony was considered to have done well by surrounding the drinkable water’, but not long after ‘some of the kings left Antony for Octavian’ as ‘his fleet failed in all its operations’
On 2 September 31 BC, the battle took place, here is an overview of events:
- Antony’s ships exited the gulf and faced up against Octavians. They were spread in 3 sections, protecting Cleopatra’s fleet of 60 ships behind them
- Antony’s left wing edged forward, Octavian’s right wing went backwards to draw them out
- Octavian’s left (commanded by Agrippa) attempted to envelop Antony’s right flank
- Publicola (one of Antony’s generals) who was in the center was therefore forced to move away from the center and help out the right
- Cleopatra saw the opening in the center and quickly escaped
- Antony then followed Cleopatra. Plutarch tells us that ‘he pursued the woman who had caused his ruin and would now complete his destruction’
- However he did not talk to her for three days in shame and anger. Plutarch tells us he ‘sat down by himself in silence’
- Eventually, upon his betrayal, Antony’s army ‘went over to the victor Octavian’.
What were the casualties of the Battle of Actium?
No more than 5000 dead, but 300 ships captured (Plutarch).
What were Antony’s key mistakes in the battle?
Poor timing – didn’t strike earlier when Octavian was vulnerable.
Underestimating Agrippa – allowed his flank to be exposed. Poor preparations – disease and food shortages while entering the battle.
Desire to impress Cleopatra – insisted on a sea battle.
What did Octavian seek immediately after the battle?
Cleopatra had fled with her treasures, which Octavian failed to seize at Actium. According to Plutarch, he feared Cleopatra might burn or destroy the wealth in desperation.
How did Octavian attempt to prevent this?
He deceived Cleopatra, making her believe ‘he would be generous to her’, to preserve the treasure.
Did Antony accept defeat after Actium?
No — even after the battle, Antony did not admit defeat. As Octavian advanced toward Alexandria, Antony attacked him again and ‘fought outstandingly’ (Plutarch).
What did Antony realise after the failed attack?
That he preferred an honourable death over survival or further humiliation: ‘He wanted an honourable death for himself rather than safety and victory.’ (Plutarch)
What happened during Antony’s final attempt at war?
He launched one last naval and land assault. But when his fleet met Octavian’s, ‘they changed sides’, and his cavalry deserted him (Plutarch).
Why did Antony kill himself?
Believing Cleopatra had betrayed him to Octavian, he became distraught. Cleopatra, fearing his anger, sent word that she was dead.
How did Antony respond?
Believing her, he attempted suicide. Upon discovering she was alive, he was carried to her tomb and said: ‘He was not sad to be dying… but happy he had become the most famous and powerful of men, and now, he, a Roman, had been conquered honourably only by a Roman.’ (Plutarch)
What was Cleopatra’s state when Octavian met her?
According to Plutarch: ‘Her hair and face looked terrible… her eyes were pale and sunken.’ Yet, ‘her charm and the attractiveness of her body were not completely gone.’
How did Octavian treat her?
He allowed her to grieve at Antony’s funeral. Treated her ‘better than she might have hoped.’
How did Cleopatra die?
A few days later, she killed herself. Plutarch says she used ‘an asp that was carried in with figs.’ She was found ‘dead, lying upon a golden couch dressed as the queen of Egypt.’ However, Plutarch admits: ‘No one really knows the truth’ about her exact cause of death.
What happened to Cleopatra’s and Antony’s statues in Rome?
Cleopatra’s statues were left in place — suggesting some Roman respect for her, despite her being a foreign enemy. Antony’s statues were ‘now pulled down.’
