Module 8
What territory did Lepidus control after the defeat of Brutus and Cassius at Philippi? Mark all correct.
Africa Although Lepidus was originally given Spain as well as Africa, he was forced to cede Spain to Octavian after Philippi.
Who accompanied Octavian from Apollonia to Rome?
Agrippa Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa was Octavian's friend, who was about the same age as he was. They had been educated together and Caesar had sent Agrippa along with Octavian to study in Apollonia, in Illyricum, while waiting to go on the campaign in Parthia. When Octavian returned to Rome after finding out he had been Caesar's heir, Agrippa accompanied him.
The marriage of Octavian's sister Octavia to Marc Antony:
All of these are true. (Ended in divorce, Was not Antony's first marriage, Was part of the Pact of Brundisium, Was meant to strengthen the alliance between Antony and Octavian) The marriage of Octavia to Marc Antony is another example of the use of a female relative to seal a peace treaty or agreement. It was part of the Pact of Brundisium in 39 BC. This marriage ended in divorce after Antony began having an affair with Cleopatra. See Boatwright pg 167.
In your view, do you think Antony would have approved of the actions of his brother and wife against Octavian? Explain your answer in a few sentences.
Although Antony did not like Octavian and felt that HE should have been Caesar's undisputed heir, he was not happy to hear about the antics of Lucius and Fulvia. They jeopardized the trust between Antony and Octavian and accomplished nothing useful. Lucius and Fulvia, like so many others, seriously underestimated Octavian if they thought he was going to hand over the Roman Empire to Antony without more of a fight.
Who did Octavian turn to for aid in defeating Sextus Pompey?
Antony Antony supplied Octavian with 120 fleets. Octavian promised to send him 20,000 soldiers in return.
Which of the following was NOT true about the Battle of Actium?
Antony and Cleopatra were killed in battle Actium was a victory for Octavian (who was helped by Agrippa, the admiral of his fleets). Both Antony and Cleopatra escaped to Egypt.
Which of the following were true regarding the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC? Mark all correct.
Antony defeated Cassius in the first battle, Lepidus stayed in Italy, Antony and Octavian lured Brutus into a trap and defeated him, Brutus defeated Octavian in the first battle In the first battle, Antony defeated Cassius' forces and Cassius committed suicide. At the same time, Brutus was able to defeat Octavian's forces. After that, Antony and Octavian joined their forces and were able to defeat Brutus. Brutus committed suicide as well.
What happened when Marc Antony fought against the Parthians?
Antony failed to recover the standards and lost a significant number of men in the fighting It doesn't usually go well when the Romans attempt to fight the Parthians. Crassus lost the standards when he was defeated by them (and killed). Antony's attempt to subdue the Parthians was unsuccessful -- his ally, the king of Armenia, fled and Antony lost part of his troops.
What happened when Octavia arrived in the East with Octavian's forces?
Antony refused to allow her to advance beyond Athens and told her to return to Italy Octavia was bringing the forces that Octavian had promised Antony in exchange for the ships that he had received to fight Sextus Pompey. Antony was with Cleopatra at this time. He remained in Alexandria and refused to permit Octavia to travel beyond Athens. He instructed her to return to Italy.
How did Octavian end up in control of all the Roman senatorial forces after Mutina?
Antony was defeated; both consuls were killed in battle In a strange turn of events, both consuls were killed even though their armies defeated Antony. Octavian was able to prevent Caesar's veterans from going over to Decimus Brutus and, in fact, persuaded many of Decimus's troops to come over to his side. This positioned Octavian to march on Rome and demand a consulship from the Senate despite meeting none of the prerequisites.
Which of the following is NOT included in Plutarch's description of the affair?
Antony's declaration of Octavian as an enemy of Egypt Plutarch paints Cleopatra as a femme fatale, an evil force that Antony cannot resist. Antony's actions would have threatened Roman sensibilities: his giving away of Roman lands to a foreign queen; his affair with her which produced offspring, while he was still married to a Roman woman.
Match the province with the Triumvir who controlled it.
Antony: Gaul Lepidus: Spain Octavian: Africa, Sicily, Sardinia Part of the arrangements for the Second Triumvirate were the distribution of the provinces in the West. Antony got Gaul (which he had wanted initially), Lepidus got Spain, and Octavian got Africa, Sicily, and Sardinia. The Eastern provinces were, at this time, in control of Brutus and Cassius.
According to the Roman poet Propertius, who ordered Octavian to defend Rome from Cleopatra?
Apollo In a lengthy speech delivered by Apollo (who is referred to as Phoebus), Octavian is instructed to defend Rome from Cleopatra. Octavian is presented as the defender rather than aggressor in the war. After Actium, Octavian build a temple to Apollo on the Palatine hill in thanks for the god's help.
Prior to his victory over Sextus Pompey, how had Octavian fared in the sphere of military achievements? What was happening to Antony at the time that Octavian was defeating Sextus Pompey? Possible importance of this?
Before this victory over Sextus, Octavian had fared badly in battle. In an odd confluence of events, Antony was suffering a weighty defeat at the hands of the Parthians at the very time that Octavian defeated Sextus "The Pirate." Suddenly, Octavian could claim that he was a great military hero while Antony had been humiliated in the military sphere.
Where did Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus meet to form the 2nd Triumvirate?
Bologna They met in Bologna (ancient Bononia) in Italy to work out the terms of the alliance.
At Philippi:
Brutus defeated Octavian's troops Brutus defeated Octavian's troops in the first battle, while Antony defeated Cassius and he committed suicide. Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus in the second battle and he, too, committed suicide. This event marks the end of the Republic. Antony showed his superior military skill at Philippi, while Octavian was weaker.
Briefly explain what Brutus means about virtue (virtus) when he says: "O wretched Virtue, thou wert but a name, and yet I worshiped thee as real indeed; but now, it seems, thou were but fortune's slave."
Brutus still believes in and is committed to virtue as a central value of Roman aristocratic culture. At the same time, the defeat of his cause--and the death of the Roman Republic--have led him to believe that fortune ultimately trumps courage and virtue.
Whom did Octavian declare enemies of the state during his consulship? Mark all correct.
Brutus, Sextus Pompey, Cassius When Octavian was given the consulship after marching on Rome in 43, he declared the assassins of Caesar enemies of the state. Sextus Pompey was the only surviving son of Pompey the Great after Caesar defeated the Pompeians in North Africa and Spain. See Boatwright pg 164.
What happened prior to the Battle of Philippi? Mark all correct.
Caesar was deified (made a god), the month of Quintilis was renamed Julius Before taking on Brutus and Cassius at Philippi, Octavian had Caesar deified that is, officially made a god. He later built a temple dedicated to the deified Caesar in the Forum, at the spot where Antony had delivered the funeral oration. The month of Quintilis was also renamed Julius in honor of Caesar. Octavian also vowed a temple to Mars Ultor, which he built in his own forum, prior to the Battle of Philippi.
What other supporter(s) did Octavian have on his side soon after his arrival to Rome? Mark all correct.
Caesar's veteran troops Octavian also had the support of Caesar's veteran troops on his side. They had been loyal to Caesar (remember how richly Caesar had rewarded his troops after the Gallic Wars) and now they were loyal to his heir. The lack of military support was a serious problem for any aspirations Antony had of seizing control of Rome.
Which of the following were NOT provisions in the will of Antony that Octavian made public? Mark all correct.
Caesarion, Cleopatra's son with Julius Caesar, was declared Antony's heir, Antony left a sum of money to every citizen of Alexandria, Cleopatra was made a consul According to ancient historians, the actual contents of the will were fairly benign despite Octavian's efforts to cast them as clear evidence of Antony's anti-Roman sentiments.
Plutarch's account of Brutus's suicide is very reminiscent of what other late Republican suicide? In what ways?
Cato the Younger; in particular, the emphasis on philosophizing before his death and then stabbing himself through the breast.
Who persuaded the Roman Senate to give Octavian imperium (and command of Roman troops) against Marc Antony?
Cicero Cicero persuaded the Senate to give Octavian command against Antony. Cicero was no fan of Antony's, fearing that he would seek one man rule as Caesar had. However, he grossly misunderestimated Octavian. Cicero survived being on the wrong side of the civil war between Caesar and Pompey (Caesar granted him clementia), but he was added to the proscription list by Antony, whom he had offended in the series of speeches called the Philippics.
How did Octavian get the senate's permission to try to free Mutina from Antony's siege of the city?
Cicero arranged it. Cicero urged the Senate to grant Octavian imperium so that he could lead Caesar's veteran troops to Mutina to free it from Antony's siege. The two consuls were also part of this effort. See Boatwright pg 161.
This coin, issued by Octavian sometime after Actium, shows him plowing (the other side depicted the bust of Apollo, with features very similar to Octavian's own). To what famous story is this coin alluding?
Cincinnatus The imagery is clearly meant to recall the story of Cincinnatus, who returned to plowing once he had restored peace and security to Rome. Of course, Octavian won't quite lay down imperium the way Cincinnatus did!
Which of the following are true about the deaths of Marc Antony and Cleopatra? Mark all correct.
Cleopatra committed suicide, Marc Antony committed suicide, They died in Alexandria Antony and Cleopatra fled the battle of Actium and returned to Alexandria, where they both committed suicide -- separately. Antony fell on his sword and Cleopatra allowed a poisonous snake to bite her. See Boatwright pg 172 as well as the readings from Plutarch and Cassius Dio in the module.
Match the family member with his or her fate.
Cleopatra: suicide by asp Marc Antony: Suicide on the battlefield Caesarion: Execution by Octavian Alexander, Cleopatra, and Ptolemy Philadelphos (Cleopatra and Antony's children): Raised by Octavia Antony committed suicide after being deserted by his troops outside Alexandria; Cleopatra committed suicide in Alexandria. Cleopatra and Caesar's son was executed as a threat to Octavian's power, but his half-siblings were raised in Rome by Octavia, Antony's wife and Octavian's sister.
To whom of the following was Fulvia married? Mark all correct.
Clodius, Marc Antony, Curio Fulvia was married three times and was, it seems, quite a rabble-rouser in her own right.
What side did the Roman senate take in the Siege of Mutina?
Decimus Brutus's The senate sent both consuls with their armies as well as Octavian with Caesar's veterans to assist Decimus Brutus against Antony.
After their defeat in the Perusine War, Lucius Antonius and Fulvia were executed by Octavian's men.
False After their defeat, Lucius Antonius and Fulvia were pardoned by Octavian. Both died of other causes shortly thereafter.
Strictly political marriages, such as the sort between Antony and Octavia, were very unusual among elites in Ancient Rome.
False Among elites, they were exceedingly common.
True or false: Antony was able to stop Octavian from gaining the support of the people by blocking the release of Caesar's estate.
False Antony did try to do this, but Octavian sold his own property in order to the people the 300 sesterces that Caesar had willed them. See Boatwright pg 161.
Antony died at Actium.
False Both Antony and Cleopatra managed to escape Octavian's blockade of their supply lines although they lost most of their fleet and land troops. They returned to Egypt and seem to have prepared for additional battle against Octavian that never materialized--because Rome's forces had gone over entirely to Octavian.
True or False: Cicero was a staunch supporter of Antony.
False Cicero was NOT a fan of Antony. Cicero had feared Caesar's growing power as dictator as well as his disrespect for the Republic. As a strong supporter of Republican traditions, Cicero viewed Caesar's assassination as a way to return to the Republic. However, once Antony took the helm, Cicero found Antony's growing power worrisome and, in fact, he left the city for his country villa.
Octavian declared war against Antony and Cleopatra.
False He only declared war against Cleopatra (a foreign ruler), in order to disguise the fact that it was yet another civil war. This was to be a war against a foreign enemy.
The last will and testament was considered to be a private document, whose provisions were meant to be secret.
False In Ancient Rome, the will was a very public document and was a kind of "final judgment" of the deceased on his family and friends.
When Antony discovered Brutus's corpse, he had it tossed in the sea.
False Plutarch tells us that, in fact, he treated with great respect and had Brutus's ashes returned to his mother.
The pact between Octavian and Sextus Pompey was broken by Octavian when he incited naval battles in the Bay of Naples and the Straits of Messina.
False Sextus Pompey was the one who started the trouble and broke the truce.
Like the First Triumvirate, the Second was an informal arrangement without legal standing.
False Unlike the First Triumvirate, the Second was formed with a legal, constitutional basis. They could practice nomination and could make rulings that could not be appealed.
Why do you think Antony left Octavia and the children he fathered with her behind in Italy in 37 BC?
First, there was the practical consideration of Antony's plans to campaign against Parthia. Moreover, Octavia had become an inconvenience to Antony's eastern mission, which now relied heavily on fostering relations with Cleopatra. It may be that Antony was already looking towards the Donations of Alexandria in 34 BC.
Who is said to have pierced the dead Cicero's tongue with her golden hairpins, in revenge for nasty things he said about her and her husband?
Fulvia According to legend, Fulvia--Antony's wife and the target of some of Cicero's invectives--opened the mouth of Cicero's detached head and pierced his tongue with her hairpin. Fulvia was quite the personality!
According to Cassius Dio, how does Octavian feel about Cleopatra?
He seems to deal with her publicly as a hated enemy but, according to Cassius Dio, is willing to cut a deal behind the scenes if she will help him get rid of Antony.
Which of the following was true about Cicero's death?
His head and hands were placed on the Rostra Cicero was added to the proscriptions by Marc Antony and Octavian did not object. He was killed in his villa outside of Rome. His head and hands were placed on the Rostra as a warning to those who wished to speak out or write against Marc Antony. Refer back to the Plutarch reading.
This coin was issued by Octavian sometime between 32-29 BCE. It shows Octavian on the obverse and the goddess Victory standing on a globe on the reverse. How does the meaning of this coin change if it was minted in 32 BC versus 29 BC? Explain briefly.
If issued before Actium, it can be seen as Octavian predicting a victory rather than celebrating a victory and his world domination. The image of the globe is very similar to imagery from Pompey's iconography.
With what other Roman had Cleopatra had a sexual liaison?
Julius Caesar Julius Caesar and Cleopatra began an affair after his defeat of Pompey at Pharsalus. With Cleopatra, Caesar had fathered a child, Caesarion, who had now fallen under the tutelage of Antony.
In addition to Apollo, what other divinities (broadly conceived) will oversee the return of the Golden Age to Italy? Mark all correct.
Justice, Saturn Both Saturn and Justice will also rule. The Sibyl is mentioned as the author of the prophecy about the return of the golden age, not as a deity who will oversee the age.
After his defeat at Mutina, Antony joined forces with ___, Caesar's former master of the horses.
Lepidus Antony fled Mutina and joined up with Caesar's former magister equitum, Lepidus. This was a somewhat unexpected alliance, but important because Lepidus controlled a large number of legions.
Why, in your opinion, was Lepidus only exiled and not killed for his traitorous behavior? Why was he permitted to keep the distinguished title of Pontifex Maximus?
Lepidus had never presented a real threat to Octavian, and executing Lepidus - a formerly close ally of Julius Caesar - might have alienated some of Octavian's supporters. Doing so to a pontifex maximus would have been a particular act of impiety that Octavian would have found hard to dismiss.
Which of the following is NOT associated with the Pact of Brundisium?
Lepidus is exiled to Cyprus Antony married Octavian's sister, Octavia to seal the deal. Octavian got control of the West and Antony got the East. Lepidus got a raw deal and only got Africa, a signal of his relative weakness.
Mark all the members of the 2nd Triumvirate.
Lepidus, Antony, Octavian The Second Triumvirate was composed of Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus. They reconciled and formed an alliance after Octavian became consul.
In the coin pictured below, what message do you think Antony and Lepidus are trying to send by depicting their names with various implements used in religious ceremonies?
Many of these implements are associated with sacrifice and augury. They may be suggesting that Antony and Lepidus have access to divine will and that their actions are in the service of the Roman deities--even if they are not approved by the Roman senate. Ultimately, though, we don't know exactly what "message" any coin was intended to communicate. Keep in mind that the first audience for these coins was the soldiers, who received them in payment for their services.
To whom did Calpurnia, Caesar's wife, give Caesar's papers after Caesar's death?
Marc Antony As Plutarch relates (and Cicero's Philippics attest), Caesar's papers and cash were given to his loyal lieutenant Marc Antony.
Against whom were Cicero's speeches known as the Philippics directed?
Marc Antony Correct Cicero made no secret that he was opposed to Antony and his takeover of power after Caesar's death. Cicero and other Senators hoped for the restoration of the Republic. While Antony was away from Rome, Cicero blasted him with a series of 14 speeches defaming his character and calling for the Senate to make him an enemy of the state and declare war against him.
Who discovered Brutus's corpse on the field at Philippi?
Marc Antony Plutarch tells us that his friend Antony discovered his body and had it wrapped in an elegant cloak before it was cremated. Antony treated Brutus's body with great reverence, according to Plutarch's account.
Who issued this coin?
Marc Antony This was one of the coin types used by Antony to pay his legions prior to Actium. It has a ship on one side and a bird on the other
In the coin pictured below, who/what is shown on the obverse (left side)?
Mars This coin, issued by Octavian in 42 BC from Gaul in the lead-up to the Battle of Philippi, depicts the god of war, Mars. Octavian also vowed a temple to Mars the Avenger should be be successful in defeating Caesar's assassins.
Who is shown on the obverse (left side) of this coin?
Mars This coin, issued from Gaul in 42 BC by Octavian, shows Mars. Remember that Octavian vowed a temple to Mars the Avenger (Mars Ultor) before Philippi.
Briefly describe how Propertius's poem reveals its anti-Antony bias. How does it misrepresent the actual historical situation to Octavian's advantage?
Most especially, the poem presents Octavian as the defender of Rome, acting on behest of the god Apollo to protect the city of Romulus.
Match the battle with combatants.
Mutina: Octavian/Senate vs Antony Philippi: Antony?Octavian vs Caesar's assassins Pharsalus: Caesar Vs Pompey Actium: Octavian vs Antony and Cleopatra These are the big battles in this section. Be sure that you are able to keep all these battles and their combatants/outcomes straight.
Who was named as Caesar's heir in his will?
Octavian In his will, Caesar made his grand-nephew, Gaius Octavius, his heir. He changed his name to Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, better known to us as Octavian, after learning of this news. At the time of Caesar's death, he was 19 years old and studying in Apollonia in Illyricum.
Why was it necessary for Antony and Octavian to meet at Brundisium in 39 BCE?
Octavian had tried to take Antony's province of Gaul After Philippi, Octavian was given Cisalpine Gaul while Antony retained Transalpine Gaul (north of the Alps). When Octavian tried to add Transalpine Gaul to his holdings, Antony decided a face to face meeting of the triumvirs was required.
Briefly explain why Octavian seized Antony's will from the Vestal Virgins and made its contents public. Were its contents especially incriminating?
Octavian hoped to show Roman citizens in the West what Antony "really thought" and what he planned for Cleopatra and Egypt. In fact, the contents were fairly benign and offered no indications that Antony planned to abandon Rome for Alexandria in any permanent sense.
How does Octavian portray the events of the Battle of Philippi? How does he portray himself? How well does this match with the actual course of events at Philippi?
Octavian suggests here that he was solely responsible for the defeat of the Liberators at the Battle of Philippi. Evidence suggests that Antony was far more responsible for the favorable outcome; Octavian is said to have been ill during the battles and played a marginal role. Of course, by the time Octavian presented this version, Antony was long dead and not in a position to rebut his claims.
Which of the following was NOT a result of Mutina?
Octavian was captured and held for ransom Both consuls, Hirtius and Pansa, were sent to Mutina to relieve the city and fight against Antony. Octavian, having been granted imperium by the Senate on Cicero's urging, accompanied them. Although both consuls were killed in the fighting, Antony was defeated and fled. Octavian was left with control of 8 Roman legions.
Which of the following were part of the pact between Sextus Pompey and the Triumvirate in 39 BCE? Mark all correct.
Octavian's marriage to Scribonia, Sextus Pompey gaining control of the Peloponnese, Sextus Pompey gaining control of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica This pact gave Sextus Pompey control of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and the Peloponnese. Octavian also married his relative, Scribonia.
Who fought against Antony's forces at Mutina? Mark all correct.
Octavian, Hirtius, Pansa The two consuls, Pansa and Hirtius, as well as Octavian were summoned by Decimus Brutus to help him fight against Antony's siege. For his part, Octavian saw this as an opportunity to legitimately use his father's veterans against Antony. Cicero, who hated Antony by now, was happy to secure Octavian this command from the senate.
Who said, "I sent into exile the murderers of my father, punishing their crimes with regular tribunals, afterwards, when they made war on the Republic I twice defeated them in battle"?
Octavian/Augustus This is a quote from the Res Gestae, a chronicle of Octavian's deeds during his rule which he wrote later in life. He describes how he defeated the murderers of his adoptive father, Julius Caesar, at Philippi. (Of course, we know that the real hero of Philippi was Marc Antony.)
Who issued the coin pictured below?
Sextus Pompey This coin was issued by the mint of Sextus Pompey in Sicily in 42 BC. During this time, he was working to disrupt the grain supply to Rome and pressuring the 2nd Triumvirate to negotiate a land settlement with him.
Why did Octavian illegally seize and read aloud Antony's last will and testament? What did he hope to accomplish by doing this?
Since the will was thought to show the "true self" of the writer, Octavian hoped to show that Antony had abandoned Rome for Cleopatra and her children through the provisions he made for them in his will.
Which two Roman leaders utilized proscription as a way of punishing disloyalty?
Sulla and Octavian Sulla instituted proscriptions after gaining power after his second march on Rome. Caesar avoided this tactic and was known for his clementia instead. Octavian and Antony used proscriptions, primarily as a way to gain funds. The most notable name on their list was Cicero, added by Antony. See Boatwright pp 164-165.
This coin was issued by Octavian in 28 BCE, a few years after his victory at Actium and the suicides of Antony and Cleopatra. It depicts Octavian plowing a field. Briefly explain the significance of this image at this point in Octavian's political career? What famous story does it echo?
This is an echo of the Cincinnatus story: Octavian's point seems to be that, like Cincinnatus, having restored peace and order, he is now taking up the plow.
What historical moment do you think this painting is depicting? Explain your answer.
This painting depicts the meeting of Antony and Cleopatra in Egypt after the victory of Antony and Octavian at Philippi.
How did Lepidus attempt a seizure of power?
Tried to get Sextus' troops to surrender to him In response, Octavian marched into Lepidus' camp and got Lepidus' troops to surrender to HIM. This occurred after the defeat of Sextus Pompey at Naulochus. See Boatwright pg 169.
Antony fathered children by Octavia.
True Antony had two daughters by Octavia (but no sons).
The members of the 2nd Triumvirate were permitted to make legal judgments that could not be appealed.
True In addition to the right to nominate candidates directly to offices, the triumvirs were permitted to act as judges whose verdicts could not be appealed.
The Pact of Brundisium:
Was necessary because Octavian had taken command of Antony's province After the Perusine War, Octavian took over Cisalpine Gaul, which was Antony's province. This prompted them to meet at Brundisium and agree on a pact in which Antony married Octavian's sister, Octavia, and they redivided the provinces again. Antony got the East, Octavian got the West, and Lepidus got Africa. This also set the stage for Octavian to deal with the threat of Sextus Pompey. See Boatwright pg. 167.
Why do you think neither Antony nor Octavia initiated a divorce until 32 BC, nearly 5 years after they separated? Explain your thinking.
We don't really know, but Octavian seems to have pushed Octavia to stay married in an effort to cast Antony as an adulterer off enjoying a dalliance with Cleopatra. Likewise, Octavian didn't need to use Octavia to consolidate another political alliance. Antony had no plan to marry Cleopatra and thus no real motivation to divorce Octavia, either. Octavia's personal happiness was not a consideration.
In your opinion, why might Julius Caesar have chosen a relatively unknown (and distant) relative who was still very young as his heir instead of his much more experienced and loyal lieutenant Marc Antony?
Your Answer: One possible reason is that he wanted to keep the Roman government (it seemed to be becoming an empire) under the control of his family, also he was impressed when Octavian was able to fight his way through Spain to reach Caesar. Another reason is he may have thought Antony was unfit for the position. We don't really know the answer, but it is possible that Caesar assumed he would have plenty of time to groom Octavian as his heir during the Parthian campaign. His choice of Octavian also hints at Caesar's interests in reviving the sort of familial monarchy that we saw with the Tarquins--something that the Romans pointedly rejected.
Who was Sextus Pompey?
all of these are correct (a pirate interrupting the grain supply from Sicily, a surviving commander from the Battle of Munda, the last surviving sone of Pompey the Great) Sextus Pompey was the youngest son of Pompey the Great. He and his brother had fought Caesar at Munda in 45; the other Pompeians were defeated and his brother was killed, but Sextus escaped. He commanded his own fleet and was blockading the import of grain from Sicily into Italy, threatening famine.
Sextus Pompey:
all of these are true about Sextus Pompey (was the last surviving son of Pompey the Great, blocked the import of grain into Italy from Sicily, was commiting acts of piracy in the Mediterranean, was defeated by Agrippa in a naval battle) Sextus Pompey was the last surviving son of Pompey the Great, having escaped after Caesar's defeat of the Pompeians at the Battle of Munda in Spain. He commanded a fleet of ships and engaged in acts of piracy off the coasts of Sicily and Italy, blocking the transport of grain from Sicily to the peninsula and threatening famine. He was defeated by Agrippa, leading Octavian's fleets at Naulochus. See Boatwright starting on pg 167.
Which of the following was NOT a legal power held by members of the 2nd Triumvirate?
all of these were legal powers of the 2nd Triumvirate (ability to make laws independent of the senate and Roman people, ability to render legal judgments that could not be appealed, ability to nominate candidates to offices) The legal powers of the 2nd Triumvirate were significantly broader than those of the 1st Triumvirate. Whereas Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus relied on the powers of the magistracies they held, Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus granted themselves a number of legal powers that gave them total power and rendered the senate and Roman people subservient.
In Propertius's poem, how is Octavian's battle against Antony depicted by Apollo (Phoebus)? Mark all correct.
as a war of defense, as a war against Cleopatra rather than Antony, as divinely sanctioned Like Octavian and Horace, Propertius presents the Battle of Actium as a foreign war against Cleopatra. Propertius even makes it seem like Antony and Cleopatra are the aggressors and Octavian is merely defending Rome.
What are the objects pictured below?
bullets inscribed with curses These are examples of lead bullets that were inscribed with curses and hurled with slings against the enemy. Many of these survive from the Perusine war, inscribed with coarse insults against both sides.
When and by whom was this coin minted?
by Octavian after Egypt was made a province This is the "Aegypto Capta" coin, commemorating Egypt coming into Roman control as a province after the Battle of Actium. (Alligator on one side head on other)
How did Antony punish Cicero for writing the Philippics?
by displaying his severed head and hands on the Rostra It was Antony who placed Cicero's name on the proscription list, for his attacks against him in the Philippics. After Cicero was killed, his severed head and hands were placed on the Rostra (the speaking platform in the forum used by orators) to demonstrate what happened to those who dared speak or write against Antony.
What previous contact did Caesar have with his adopted heir?
he accompanied Caesar to Munda, in Spain Octavian had joined Caesar in his campaigns against the Pompeians in Spain. Suetonius doesn't even say that Octavian had fought well alongside Caesar; he just notes that Octavian went along even though he was ill, and that act alone impressed his great uncle. (Octavian was often sick as a child, which is noted by his biographers.)
Why was Lepidus banished from the 2nd Triumvirate?
he attempted to persuade the troops of Sextus Pompey to swear loyalty to him instead of Octavian Lepidus tried to seize power from Octavian after the defeat of Sextus but was outsmarted by Octavian and forced into exile. It is interesting to note that Antony and Octavian spared his life, presumably because they did not fear that he had military support and because they preferred not to stir up unnecessary resentment or accusations from his supporters.
What happened to Brutus after his defeat in battle by Antony?
he committed suicide Like Cato the Younger, Brutus committed suicide--as a kind of last stand for the Republic. His death is often seen as an act of sacrifice.
How did Octavian demand the consulship?
he marched on Rome with his legions Octavian used the legions that were now under his command to do something that other charismatic generals had done in the past: he marched on Rome. Since both consuls had died at Mutina, Octavian was demanding to fill one of those positions; of course, he was still much too young and did not meet the other requirements for the office.
How did Octavian override Antony's efforts to delay the ratification of Caesar's will (thereby delaying the distribution of their legacy from Caesar to the Roman people)?
he sold off his own property to obtain the funds Antony tried to prevent Octavian from earning the loyalty of the Roman people by refusing to allow him to distribute the money Caesar had left for each citizen in his will. Octavian outsmarted Antony by selling off his own property in order to obtain the money to distribute to the people.
Which of the following was NOT true about Cicero? Mark all correct.
he strongly opposed Octavian's desire for power Cicero had wanted the Senate to give Octavian imperium so that he could defend the state against Antony. He saw Octavian as a pawn that could be played by the Senate (unfortunately for Cicero, things did not work out that way and Octavian did not save him after Octavian joined the 2nd Triumvirate).
Which of the following was true about Antony's death? Mark all correct.
he thought that Cleopatra had already killed herself, he knew the end was near because his troops were surrendering to Octavian, he committed suicide by falling on his sword In Plutarch's account, Antony saw that the end was near as he watched his soldiers surrender to Octavian. Cleopatra had retreated into her family tomb and she had a messenger tell Antony that she had killed herself (this was not true). Antony then decided to die a noble death by falling on his sword. The next section in Plutarch tells how, Cleopatra, on hearing about this, summoned the dying Antony to be brought into the tomb with her. He died in her arms.
How did Octavian get his first consulship?
he was awarded it by the senate after he marched on Rome with his legions See Boatwright p 164. Note that the senate was initially outraged and completely opposed but eventually gave in when Octavian marched on Rome and demanded that he be made consul.
Why were the Roman citizens in Cisalpine ("Nearer") Gaul unhappy with Octavian?
he was confiscating their land for his veterans Octavian was in the unenviable position of trying to find land in Cisalpine Gaul for the veterans of Philippi, many of whom had previously served his father. Confiscations and proscriptions were the preferred strategy, which caused great upset among these citizens.
What happened to Caesarion, the son of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, following Octavian's annexation of Egypt?
he was killed One of the first orders after Octavian reached Egypt was the murder of Caesarion, his adopted father's biological son. Octavian was not going to risk any future claims to Rome's rule by Caesarion. He did, however, spare the children of Antony and Cleopatra. They were raised by his sister Octavia.
What happened when Antony launched a war against the Parthians?
he was soundly defeated and lost 1/3 of his troops See Boatwright p. 171 for a brief description of this campaign. Antony's loss was especially devastating because it came at a time when Octavian had just bolstered his military image by defeating Sextus Pompey.
Why did Octavia return East to Antony in 34 BCE?
her brother Octavian sent her along with promised troops As a last jab at Antony, Octavian sent his sister along with the troops he had promised after Antony helped him against Sextus Pompey. Antony refused to allow Octavia to travel beyond Athens and he remained with Cleopatra in Alexandria. The marriage with Octavia and alliance with Octavian were both clearly dead.
Where was Antony's wife, Octavia, after 37 BCE?
in Italy with her two children fathered by Antony When Antony returned to the west in 37, Octavia accompanied him and then remained behind while Antony went East and took up once again with Cleopatra. This separation of Octavia and Antony would have sent a clear message to the Roman people that Antony was abandoning the pact with Octavian. As well, it allowed Octavian to present Antony as trying to set up Cleopatra as Queen of Rome.
What was the broader significance of Antony's divorce of Octavia in 32 BCE?
it publically declared the breakdown in his relationship with Octavian The divorce itself was essentially unrelated to Antony's liaison with Cleopatra. Rather, it reflected the relationship between Octavian and Antony. When Antony divorces Octavia, he is announcing the final break in the alliance with Octavian.
Which of the following was NOT true about Actium?
it resulted in the death of Antony (it was a naval battle, it was fought off the coast of Epirus, it resulted in the surrender of Antony and Cleopatra's fleets and troops to Octavian, Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra) Actium was a naval battle fought off the coast of Epirus. It was not exciting -- a lot of stalemate due to Agrippa's blockade of Antony and Cleopatra's supply lines. Eventually, the two broke through and escaped to Alexandria (and thus were not killed in the battle). Their troops and fleets surrendered to Octavian. See pg 172 in Boatwright.
What was, most likely, the primary "message" being conveyed by the iconography of this coin?
it was advertising the recently formed alliance of Antony and Lepidus This coin, issued c. 43 BC from Gaul, does not mention the 2nd Triumvirate. The iconography focuses on the alliance of Lepidus and Antony; and their religious authority. As noted in the module, it bears a striking resemblance to an earlier coin issued by Julius Caesar when he was augur and Chief Priest.
Where was Perusia (modern Perugia)?
more than one of these answers is correct (in Cisalpine ("Nearer") Gaul, in modern Italy) Ancient Perusia was in the province of Cisalpine Gaul, that is, Gaul on the south side of the Alps. Today, that land is in Italy. Perugia is especially famous for its delicious hazelnut chocolate candy called Baci.
The Donations of Alexandria:
more than one of these is correct (Were said to be an indication that Antony wanted to transfer the capital of the Roman Empire to Alexandria in Egypt, Idk which of the other ones are true) While Antony was away from Rome, one of the things that he did which Octavian used against him as propaganda, was give Roman territory to the children of Cleopatra. These were the Donations of Alexandria. See Boatwright pg 172.
Where did Antony go after Philippi, and to do what?
out East to ensure the loyalty of its rulers and to reap rewards for himself After Philippi, Antony was arguably the biggest winner. He went East to ensure the loyalty of the rulers, who had been working with Brutus and Cassius. The East was still the place to go to reap riches -- much as Sulla and Pompey had in the past.
Which of the following did Octavian do after learning about Antony's "donations" of Roman land to Cleopatra and their children? Mark all correct.
read Antony's will aloud in public, forced all Roman citizens living in the West to swear an oath of loyalty to him (Octavian) After news of Antony's Donations of Alexandria reached Rome, rumors arose that Cleopatra was to be made the Queen of Rome and Antony the king. Octavian took this opportunity to renew his propaganda campaign against Antony, publicizing a document that was reportedly Antony's will (which declared Caesarion Caesar's heir and contained other pro-Egypt, anti-Roman sentiments) and forcing the West to swear an oath of loyalty to him, Octavian.
What happened to Fulvia, that made Antony free to marry Octavia?
she died of natural causes Fulvia died of natural causes before Antony returned to the West in 40 BCE. This meant that Antony was legally free to marry Octavia.
According to Brutus after Philippi, what had happened to virtue?
she had become fortune's slave Brutus was said to have lamented that virtue had become fortune's slave.
What in particular did Marc Antony gain by marrying Fulvia?
she had considerable populist support that dated back to her first marriage to the tribune Clodius Fulvia's first two husbands, Clodius and Curio, were both very popular tribunes. After their deaths, Fulvia retained the loyalties of many of these populists and was able to persuade them to support Antony.
NOW how does Horace present Cleopatra?
she was a worthy foe, a brave woman, and died an honorable death Horace alters his town tone in the second half of the poem. Now he acknowledges that Cleopatra was a worthy opponent. She was not afraid of Caesar or of death, and she refused to submit to anything less than her own queenly appointments -- she'd rather die than walk behind Augustus' chariot in a triumph. And so she did. This begrudging respect tempers the outright celebration of the first half of the poem. It also makes Octavian's accomplishments all the more glorious. Cleopatra was a serious opponent, not a weak-willied woman.
Which of the following are methods by which Cleopatra might have committed suicide? Mark all correct.
she was bitten by an asp concealed in a water jug, she stabbed herself with a poisoned comb, she was bitten by an asp concealed in a basket of figs Plutarch first gives the main version of the story as death by asp bite, with the asp coming in in the basket of figs. Or, he says, perhaps it was hidden in a water jug. Or, perhaps there as no snake at all, but rather, she stabbed herself with the tips of a poisoned comb. At any rate, there were supposed two puncture wounds on her arm.
udging from these stanzas, how does Horace feel about Cleopatra? Select all correct answers.
she was bringing down Rome with her grotesque empire, Caesar [Augustus] frightened her, her death is a time for celebration Right away, Horace announces that it's time to party (because Cleopatra is dead). In the first half of the poem (as quoted here) he also refers to Actium, where he says Caesar frightened her away, with her ships burned. He suggests she was delusional for even trying to stand up to Caesar ("crazy," "scheming," "nursed on Egyptian wine") and suggests that her cohort include less than savory individuals ("sickly eunuchs" and "pack of perverts").
When was Julius Caesar deified?
shortly before the Battle of Philippi See Boatwright p. 165. Note that he was deified and the month of Quintilis was renamed Julius (July) in his honor. Octavian pursued this, in part, to justify his civil war against Brutus and Cassius as an act of filial revenge. It also made him the son of a god.
What especially important asset did Fulvia bring to her marriage with Marc Antony?
significant numbers of populist supporters From her marriage to Clodius, Fulvia had the support of a large number of populists. These were important allies of Antony when he joined Caesar's side.
When were Brutus and Cassius declared enemies of the state?
soon after Octavian became consul Once Octavian was consul, he had the senate declare the assassins hostes, or enemies of the state. Many senators were not comfortable with this.
The most significant difference between the 1st and 2nd Triumvirate was:
the 2nd Triumvirate derived its legal authority from the Roman constitution The most important distinction between the 1st and 2nd Triumvirate was that the 2nd Triumvirate was an official, legal alliance whose authority came from the Roman constitution. For this reason, the members of the 2nd Triumvirate were considerably more powerful and less vulnerable to external threats than those of the 1st Triumvirate.
To whom is Eclogue 4 addressed (see the first line)?
the Sicilian Muses It is interesting that Vergil specifically identifies the muses as Sicilian, that is, Greek-speaking. These are the same muses that are addressed by the Greek bucolic poet Theocritus.
The poet Horace portrayed Cleopatra's suicide as:
the act of a noble and courageous woman Horace's poem about Cleopatra includes descriptors usually meant for noble men -- she is brave and heroic in her act of suicide.
What is being celebrated with this coin?
the annexation of Egypt by Octavian AEGYPTO CAPTA means "captured Egypt;" Octavian is bragging about having conquered Cleopatra and Egypt. He's also expressing filial piety and reminding us that he was adopted by Caesar (hence CAESAR and not OCTAVIANUS), and is expressing his religious piety through the lituus, the crook-shaped symbol of the augurs.
How did this person die (the version agreed upon by most of the ancient sources)?
the bite of a poisonous snake This is Cleopatra and she committed suicide by the bite of a poisonous snake (an asp or cobra). The ancient sources (including Plutarch and Cassius Dio) suggest other theories, but the most famous one that comes down to us is the snake bite.
What were the Donations of Alexandria?
the distribution of Eastern territories by Antony to Cleopatra's children In 34 BC, Antony gave out Eastern land, including Roman territory, to Caesarion and his children by Cleopatra as part of his celebration of a triumph. When word of this reached Rome, the Roman people were troubled -- having been stirred up by Octavian to suspect Antony's motives.
Why did Antony besiege the city of Mutina?
the governor of Cisalpine Gaul refused to leave his post Decimus Brutus, originally assigned as governor of Cisalpine Gaul, refused to leave his post and held onto the city of Mutina. Antony responded by laying siege to the city.
Why did Antony lay siege to Mutina?
the legally appointed governor Decimus Brutus refused to leave Antony was allotted the province of Macedonia but wished to be closer to Rome, to keep an eye on things. He thus decided to take over the governorship of Cisalpine Gaul. The current governor, Decimus Brutus, was not so willing to leave and this led to the stand-off and Antony's siege of Mutina.
What historical scene does this painting depict?
the meeting of Antony and Cleopatra This painting shows the first meeting of Antony and Cleopatra, after Philippi. Note that Cleopatra is portrayed as a sloppy, decadent queen. Cleopatra is under a tent thing and Antony is approaching in a white toga thing
What event is depicted below?
the suicide of Brutus This drawing shows the suicide of Brutus after his defeat at Philippi.
Which of the following is NOT true of the initial arrangement of the 2nd Triumvirate?
they restored the election process for most offices in an effort to distance themselves from the memory of Caesar as a dictator See Boatwright pg. 164. . Like Caesar, the triumvirs largely relied on the process of nomination to fill offices. As well, this 2nd Triumvirate claimed for themselves most of the powers and traditional privileges formerly held by the senate and Roman people.
What did Lucius Antonius and Fulvia hope to achieve when they attacked Octavian in Gaul in 42-41 BCE?
they wanted to declare Antony sole ruler of the Roman empire Octavian was in a vulnerable position as he tried to find land for his veterans; Lucius and Fulvia tried to take advantage of this and underestimated Octavian's resources. Eventually, Octavian defeated them but not after a nasty and hostile war that soured Octavian's relationship with Marc Antony (who may well have been totally unaware of the actions of his wife and brother).
What prompted Lucius Antonius and Fulvia to attack Octavian in Cisalpine Gaul?
they were trying to take advantage of local anger at Octavian for land confiscations Lucius Antonius and Fulvia seem to be trying to exploit local unrest to the advantage of Marc Antony (who controlled Gaul but not "Nearer Gaul", on the south side of the Alps). Octavian struck them as weak and vulnerable, and nothing he had done at Philippi made him seem a military foe to fear.
What was the greatest motivation for the members of the 2nd Triumvirate to renew the proscriptions and land confiscation?
to be able to pay their veterans as well as recruit new soldiers The Second Triumvirate lacked the funds to pay their troops. They resorted to resurrecting the proscriptions in order to obtain money and confiscated land from their wealthy victims.
What resolution did Octavian immediately pass as consul?
to condemn Brutus and Cassius as enemies of the state Octavian was granted the consulship by a reluctant senate. His first priority was to condemn the assassins of Caesar, Brutus and Cassius, as enemies of the state. Remember that, in the immediate aftermath, neither the senate nor Antony had done this.
Why did Antony join forces with Lepidus after Mutina?
to gain access to Lepidus's legions Antony understood that any future military conflict against Octavian and Caesar's veterans would require substantial legions. As Magister Equitum, Lepidus had control of a large number of legions.
Why did Antony and Octavia return to Italy in 37 BCE?
to renew the triumvirate for a five year period They returned to Italy to renew the alliance of the 2nd Triumvirate. Octavia, pregnant with their second child, remained in Italy when Antony returned to the East.
What was Octavian tasked with after Philippi?
to settle the veterans in Italy While Antony, the victor of Philippi, was able to go East to win further glory and riches for himself, Octavian was tasked with settling their veterans in Italy. He did not have a very successful time doing this, as he had to confiscate lands in Italy -- not a move that makes landowners happy with you.
Why did Antony leave Rome for Cisalpine Gaul?
to take up the position of governor of Cisalpine Gaul Antony was going to take over as governor of Cisalpine Gaul. Actually, he had received as his assignment the province of Macedonia. He preferred Gaul for his proximity to Rome, and arranged to exchange his command. However, another man had already been assigned as governor of Cisalpine Gaul: Decimus Brutus, one of the Liberators.