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Cleopatra and Mark Antony

Cleopatra and Mark Antony

Cleopatra VII, the last Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt, was born in 69 BC and quickly became embroiled in political turmoil. In 48 BC, her co-ruler and younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, manipulated by his courtiers, exiled Cleopatra. During this time, Roman general Pompey arrived in Alexandria after his defeat at Pharsalus, only to be executed by Ptolemy, an act that angered Julius Caesar. Cleopatra’s dramatic reentry into power began when she had herself smuggled into Caesar’s presence wrapped in a carpet, winning his favor and likely becoming his lover. Caesar's Alexandrine War ended with Ptolemy's death, and Cleopatra bore Caesar a son, Caesarion, during his stay in Egypt. She later joined Caesar in Rome, where she was present at his assassination in 44 BC before returning to Alexandria.

Cleopatra’s alliance with Mark Antony began in 41 BC when she met him in Tarsus. Captivating Antony, she bore him twins within a year and later supported his military campaigns, including the failed invasion of Parthia in 36 BC. Antony’s reliance on Cleopatra and adoption of Egyptian customs strained his relationship with Octavian, his political rival. In 34 BC, Antony celebrated his victory over Armenia with a triumph in Alexandria, distributing vast territories in the Eastern Mediterranean to Cleopatra and their children during a ceremony known as the "Donations of Alexandria." Cleopatra was declared "Queen of Kings," a title reflected in contemporary coinage, solidifying her ambitions and further alienating Rome.

Antony’s military endeavors, including the Armenian campaign, were marked by both ambition and failure. After a disastrous Parthian campaign in 36 BC, Antony sought to consolidate his position by capturing and deposing Artavasdes II of Armenia in 34 BC. Antony returned to Alexandria with Artavasdes and his family as prisoners, staging a Roman-style triumph in the city. This act, combined with the distribution of territories to Cleopatra and their children, showcased Antony’s growing alignment with Egypt and its ruler, further provoking Octavian and destabilizing his position in Rome.

The events of 34 BC, including the Armenian triumph and the Donations of Alexandria, were pivotal in the escalation of tensions between Antony and Octavian. Antony’s recognition of Caesarion as Julius Caesar’s legitimate heir and his bequests to Cleopatra’s children threatened Roman unity. When the Triumvirate expired in 33 BC, war became inevitable. Cleopatra’s prominence, her claim to divine status, and Antony’s increasing reliance on her led to the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, culminating in their defeat and eventual suicides in 30 BC, marking the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and Egypt’s absorption into the Roman Empire.

ROMAN REPUBLIC Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Denarius, traveling workshop in Asia Minor, 32 BC, 3.72g. ANTONI ARMENIA DEVICTA Head of Mark Antony right; behind, the Armenian tiara / CLEOPATRAE REGINAE REGVM FILIORVM REGVM Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right; in front, a prow. B. (Antonia) 95; Syd. 1210; Cr. 543/1; C. 1.

Ex. NGSA 5 (December 3rd, 2008), lot 206