Cleopatra also had strong political reasons for meeting Antony. This was politics, not pleasure, as Rome needed to tap into Egypt’s immense wealth, abundant grain supplies, and military strategic location. From here he dispatched a messenger to the Queen of Egypt, inviting her to a meeting in the city. The citizens of Ephesus bestowed upon the Roman Antony the divine title of “Dionysus the benefactor.” (Learn more about Greek culture that Antony adored.)Īntony’s grand tour then took him to Tarsus, in modern-day southern Turkey. Visiting Athens, he won the sobriquet “Dionysus the giver of joy,” and traveling in Asia Minor, he was met in Ephesus by a spectacular procession of men and women dressed as satyrs and priestesses of Bacchus, the Roman god of revelry. The abundant cultural distractions helped to alleviate the heavy cares of state, and Antony took full advantage as he toured his territories. He had a deep love of the Greek Hellenistic culture that Alexander the Great’s conquests had firmly embedded in the lands that now formed Rome’s eastern provinces. Mark Antony’s interests, however, extended beyond Roman politics. He also knew that a major victory against a foreign foe would greatly enhance his personal prestige and power. Julius Caesar had been planning such an expedition before his assassination, and Antony was keen to be seen to continue his great mentor’s work. The triumvirate that ruled over Rome’s vast territories needed to urgently restructure the army in the east, secure new sources of military funding, and launch a punitive expedition against the Parthians to avenge a humiliating defeat in 53 B.C. (Read more about archaeologists' search for Cleopatra.)Īs Antony journeyed to take up his new responsibilities, amorous adventures ranked low on his agenda. It was a heady combination that drew him into the arms of Cleopatra, Egypt’s beguiling queen. Placed in charge of the eastern provinces, Mark Antony found himself far from Rome and immersed in the Hellenistic culture he had always adored. The triumvirate of Lepidus, Octavian, and Mark Antony was an uneasy alliance after turbulent times. Rome’s three most powerful men carved up the republic among them.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |