Why did the Roman Senate declare war on Cleopatra?
Octavian’s sister was Antony’s wife, and he’d already publicised his adultery. When Antony married Cleopatra in 32 BC and seemed on the verge of setting up an alternative Imperial capital in Egypt, Octavian persuaded the Senate to declare war on Cleopatra, who they blamed for seducing their former hero.
How did Romans describe Cleopatra?
While Roman historian Dio Cassius described Cleopatra as “a woman of surpassing beauty,” a number of modern historians have characterized her as less than exceptionally attractive. Nevertheless, they have noted that her beauty was heralded and that her appearance was seductive.
What was Cleopatra’s relationship with the Romans?
A mutually beneficial relationship Cleopatra required the might of Caesar’s armies to install her as ruler of Egypt, while Caesar was in need of Cleopatra’s vast wealth. She is believed to have been the world’s richest woman at the time and able to finance Caesar’s return to power in Rome.
Was Cleopatra a threat to Rome?
Cleopatra represented the last significant threat to Roman authority and her death also marks the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. The vast treasures of Egypt were plundered by Octavian, and Egypt itself became a new Roman province.
What if Antony won?
So even if Antony and Cleopatra somehow won at Actium, Octavian would have lived to fight another day, still likely with the support of Rome. “It’s quite possible that civil war would just have dragged on,” says Edwards.
What was so special about Cleopatra?
Why is Cleopatra famous? While queen of Egypt (51–30 BCE), Cleopatra actively influenced Roman politics at a crucial period and was especially known for her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. She came to represent, as did no other woman of antiquity, the prototype of the romantic femme fatale.
What did Plutarch write about Cleopatra?
Plutarch provides the famous description of Cleopatra being smuggled into the palace that night in a bedroll, which argues at least that she was petite. “It was by this device of Cleopatra’s, it is said, that Caesar was first captivated, for she showed herself to be a bold coquette” (Life of Julius Caesar, XLIX. 3).
How did Cleopatra influence the politics of Rome?
Due to her efforts, Cleopatra made Egypt wealthier and more powerful. Cleopatra needed Rome’s resources to make Egypt even better than it already was. She used the help of Caesar and Antony, two great, powerful Roman leaders.
Was Cleopatra a strategist?
Cleopatra was an able strategist and administrator, Roller says, renowned for her education. When they met, both had an agenda — Cleopatra wanted to keep Egypt strong, and Mark Antony needed the backing of all the eastern Mediterranean rulers in his fight against the assassins of Julius Caesar, who had fled east.
Did Octavian and Cleopatra meet?
Cleopatra was allowed to embalm Antony’s body before she was forcefully escorted to the palace, where she eventually met with Octavian, who had also detained three of her children: Alexander Helios, Cleopatra Selene II, and Ptolemy Philadelphus.