Character Catalog

Speech delivered at the Roman Forum during Caesar's funeral, in which Antony skillfully turned popular opinion against the assassins. This speech, reconstructed by Plutarch and Appian, is one of the most effective political acts of Roman Antiquity.

Diplomatic agreement reached between Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus dividing the Roman world into spheres of influence. This treaty, sealed by Antony's marriage to Octavia, attests to Antony's skills as a negotiator and defined Roman geopolitics for a decade.

Ceremony during which Antony solemnly distributed Roman territories to Cleopatra and their children, proclaiming Caesarion (son of Caesar and Cleopatra) king of kings. This act, presented by Octavian as a betrayal of Rome, was one of the main pretexts for the final civil war.

Antony's military service as Caesar's legate during the Gallic Wars, where he gained his experience as a commander and earned the trust of the great dictator. He proved his qualities as a cavalry commander and military administrator.

Large-scale military expedition led by Antony to avenge the Roman defeat at Carrhae (53 BC). Despite initial successes, the campaign ended in a costly failure, weakening Antony's prestige relative to Octavian.

Antony, above all men, had an extravagant passion for Cleopatra, which awakened and inflamed desires that had long lain hidden and dormant within him, and which smothered and destroyed the last faint traces of good qualities that might still have held out.

What a house you have bought! What a garden! What furnishings! What silverware! And all of it taken from the spoils of those you had put to death!

Antony had Caesar's will read to the people and displayed his blood-stained toga by spreading it on a spear, so that the people, seized with pity and anger, began to search for the murderers.

Antony, having seen Cleopatra take flight, forgot everything, betrayed himself and his soldiers, and rushed off in pursuit of her on a quinquereme.

Often enough have our fields been fattened with Roman blood, and heaven has witnessed our impious crimes.

Political and civic center of the Roman Republic, where Antony delivered the famous funeral oration for Caesar that turned public opinion against the conspirators.

Capital of the Ptolemaic kingdom, residence of Cleopatra VII, where Antony spent the last years of his life and where he died by suicide in 30 BC.

Cape on the Greek coast where the decisive naval battle took place in September 31 BC, pitting the fleet of Antony and Cleopatra against that of Octavian commanded by Agrippa.

Site of the double battle (October 42 BC) where Antony and Octavian defeated the republican forces of Brutus and Cassius, thereby avenging the death of Caesar.

City of Cilicia where Antony and Cleopatra met for the first time in 41 BC, a meeting that would seal their shared fate and the destiny of the Roman Republic.

Short double-edged sword, the main weapon of Roman legionaries. Mark Antony, a seasoned general, carried the gladius as a symbol of his military authority during his many campaigns.

Bronze armor molded in the shape of a muscular torso, worn by Roman officers and generals. Antony wore one during military ceremonies and battles to assert his rank as commander.

Ritual cup used for libations to the gods as well as for drinking at banquets. The legendary feasts of Antony and Cleopatra made abundant use of precious tableware, a symbol of their eastern luxury.

Ring engraved with a personal seal used to authenticate official documents. Antony used his seal to sign military orders, diplomatic treaties, and decrees in the eastern provinces.

Common writing medium in Rome, consisting of small boards coated with wax on which one wrote with a stylus. Antony used them for his military and political correspondence with his allies.

Combat galley with multiple rows of oars, forming the naval force of ancient armies. Antony's fleet, crushed at Actium, included powerful triremes that were nonetheless insufficient against Agrippa's tactics.