...sole ruler and takes her as his mistress. A son, Caesarion, is born of their union. Caesar, however, must return to Italy. Although he is briefly reunited with Cleopatra during a magnificent reception for the queen in Rome, Caesar is assassinated shortly thereafter, and Cleopatra returns to Egypt. When Mark Antony, Caesar's protégé, beholds Cleopatra aboard her elaborate barge at Tarsus some years later, he is smitten and becomes both her lover and military ally. Their liaison notwithstanding, Antony, to consolidate his position in Rome, marries Octavia, sister of the ambitious Octavian. The marriage satisfies no one. Cleopatra is infuriated, and Antony, tiring of his Roman wife, returns to Egypt. There he flaunts his liaison by marrying Cleopatra in a public ceremony. Sensing Antony's weakness, Octavian attacks and defeats his forces at Actium. Alarmed, Cleopatra withdraws her fleet and seeks refuge in her tomb. Written by alfiehitchie The story of Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt who wants to stabilize her power by using the tensions in the Roman Empire. Caesar visits Egypt, has an affair with her, and returns to Rome. She bears his child and visits Rome to claim her place at Caesar's side. He is murdered before this can happen. She returns to Egypt leaving Rome in turmoil. Mark Antony follows her to Egypt and they fall in love. However, Octavian defeats...
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...heard of his inheritance. He return to Rome and noticed that Antony was in control of Rome. People feared that Antony was going to take Caesar's place and keep dictatorship. The senate wanted to use Octavius to get the republic to rise and not follow into Antony's ambitions. However, Cyserro, a senator, wanted to temporarily use Octavius and get ride of him after the senate regained control of the people. Octavius had a different mindset and told the senate that he wanted to protect Rome from farther monarchy and dictatorship. The senate ignored Octavius' ideas and made him a senate. The people noticed Antony's immaturity from his criticism of Octivan. This should was on the reasons people felt he should not be a politician. The senate sent an army lead by Octavius against Antony in Northern Italy. In the following battles, Antony's army was defeated. This allowed the senate to believe they had saved the republic but they still had to deal with Octavius original ambitions. He had similarities to Caesar and kept his army with him to keep his power. This lead to him marching on Rome as if they were his enemy to ask if he could become council. Due to his power, the senate could not refuse his offer. After gaining his biggest goal, he looked to Mark Antony to be his alley because they both wanted revenge of Caesar’s death. They planned to divide the empire and eliminated any competition. They began by edging Leviticus out of relevance and split Rome into half. Mark Antony got the east...
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...perfect Elizabethan woman) or love is influenced in man by other people (like Beatrice and Benedick) or the intensity of love even brings about the death of lovers (as in Antony and Cleopatra). In addition, some characters explain their actions by professing or implying that they did them out of love (or heart-break due to lost love) when that is not actually the case. A key scene in Much Ado About Nothing occurs when Claudio publicly declares Hero to be sexually promiscuous just because he apparently saw her speaking to a man outside her bedroom window; Claudio’s tries to redeem his honor in the eyes of the public while giving people the impression that he is a betrayed and heart-broken lover who is shaming Hero. Similarly, in the Battle of Actium which takes place in Antony and Cleopatra, we see Caesar making a grave mistake of following Cleopatra when she sails away mid-battle. “Egypt, thou knew’st too well My heart was to thy rudder tied by th’ strings, And thou shouldst tow me after.” (3.12.60 – 62) Antony states that his heart is tied to her and will follow her anywhere, implying that he is very much in love with her that he would do anything to keep her by his side. But in reality, it seems as though Antony is insecure and followed her as he thought she was leaving him; he likes the challenge that sharp-tongued Cleopatra provides and goes after her because he does not want to lose her...
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...first Roman triumvirate as a time that corruption weighed on Romans in general. Cicero had emerged as a skilled orator that both served Rome in the fight against injustice, but also became viewed by the senior senate as someone who was able to undermine the old institutions of power through skill and manipulation. The public corruption had begun to expose the weaknesses of the current form of government and opened many minds to the sentiment that some individuals could be trusted with governance more than the current leaders who could be manipulated by the aristocracy. This paper will compare key players like Julius Caesar and Caesar Augustus in their rise to power, as well as their importance in the events leading to the end of the republic government. The role of Mark Antony and Egyptian Queen Cleopatra will be examined in the events leading up to the battle that ended the republic and began the empire. Finally, the Roman Empire’s expansion north into Gaul, Germania, and Britain will be examined. Around 60bce, leaders like Pompey had had very successful campaigns outside of Italy that provided wealth and influence that held both military and diplomatic appeal. This was precisely the case with Pompey having gained wealth and the loyalty of a large army. Having operated independently from senate authority for many years, his return to Rome was rightly seen as a threat to the republic. At the same time, Julius Caesar emerged as a rising political figure that championed the...
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...Rome, the most powerful empire Europe has ever seen- collapsed. The Roman Empire was very powerful, having borders as far North as Scotland, extending as far south into Northern Africa. Consisting of 2.3 million square miles, with a population of 80 million people. With each opportunity to conquer lands, the empire took it. Gaining power with each conquest, perhaps becoming too powerful. Correspondingly, the rise and fall of Rome began with it’s establishment, emperors, and actions. Moreover, the Roman Empire’s rise began with the establishment of Rome. Roman origins began during 1000-500 BCE, its earliest settlements on Palatine Hill. These settlements then turned into a republic, forming during 509-31 BCE. As a result of the Battle of Actium, the republic ended beginning the Roman Empire. Likewise, within the empire, there were two classes of people, the plebeians and patricians. Yet within these two classes of people order was needed. Laws, also known as the Twelve Tables, were written. Furthermore, along with a “new collection” of laws, the Roman empire gained control...
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...SUMMARY: After the Battle of Actium off the west coast of Greece in 31 B.C. in which the forces of Octavian (Augustus) defeated the forces of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra, he got the Roman Senate to grant him legal power to direct Rome's civil and military affairs as the leading citizen. The Senate also gave him the honorary title "Augustus". He divided the city of Rome into 14 administrative areas. He allowed Rome's business class more influence in the running of the city and empire. He established the Praetorian Guard as his bodyguard. As he gained power and influence he used the Senatre as an advisory body. Finally he had himself declared emperor. He extended Rome's highway system to three remotest parts of the empire. His reign ushered in a period of peace called the Pax Romana and prosperity after a long period of unrest, His reign is often called the Augustan Age. Under him the empire doubled in size as he extended its borders. He restored monuments and important buildings that had fallen into disrepair. He ordered the construction of aqueducts, bridges, roads, and a new forum. He had the Tiber River dredged to prevent flooding and improved Rome's supply of grain. This provided work for poor Romans and improved their living conditions. He promoted the growth of the senatorial and business classes by passing laws against adultery and rewarding good citizens. Augustus patronized the arts and literature and helped them to flourish. I hope that this has been a help to...
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...In 27 B.C., Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianany historians see the beginning of the Roman Empire as the golden age of Roman literature and arts, however this period would also become known for its great extravagance and imperial notoriety. It's worth taking a look at the eras leading up to the Julio-Claudian dynasty and how each period's contributions would influence the Julio-Claudian emperors. The first era in Roman history, beginning in 753 BC and ending in 509 BC, came to be known as the Roman Kingdom. The Roman Kingdom is generally accepted as the founding of Rome itself. Little is certain about the history of the Roman Kingdom, as nearly no written records from that time have survived, and the historical records that were subsequently written are largely based on legends. It is thought to have begun with the settlements around the Palatine Hill in Central Italy. It is generally thought to have ended with the overthrow of the kings and the establishment of the Republic in approximately 509 BC. The period immediately following the Roman Kingdom came to be known as the Roman Republic, which began in 509 BC and continued through 27 BC. It was during this period that...
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...Ancient Art History Essay Ancient Greece, Rome, Etruscan Art 8/30/2012 Art 101A, World Art Garrett Stokes Garrett Stokes Art 101A, World Art Abbas Daneshvari 8/30/12 Ancient Art History Art history has been a vital part of the modern human experience. For thousands of years, the first painters and sculptors have given us the first displays that allowed people to see and touch tangible artwork. The artwork has also captured the history and lifestyle of that time. Art History has also expressed its social and political events that happened during that time. This gives the present person a good understand on what events took place during that era. Some of the most prominent artwork of the western civilization is Greek, Etruscan and Roman art. That historical artwork has paved the way for modern art to have a place in art history world. I will compare and contrast the Greek, Etruscan and Roman characteristic and traits of its historical artwork. During the Geometric and Orientalizing art in the 900-600 BCE, the human shape returned to Greek art in the structure of bronze statuettes and simple silhouettes and other motifs on Geometric vases. One art example is the Dipylon krater, Athens, ca 740 BCE. During the Archaic Art, 600-480 BCE the earliest real-life stone statues appeared in Greece. The first Greek kouroi copied the frontal poses of early Egyptian statues, however designed the young men nude the same way that the men competed in the Ancient Olympics. In the...
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...incorporating function and purpose to build an empire. The Romans had many forms in which they created art. They adorned their city, homes, and palaces with paintings, sculptures, and grand architectural structures. Rome admired and emulated the artistry of the Greek, Egyptians, and Celtic designs. They learned engineering techniques from the Etruscans that has developed Rome’s historical development and style. With its influence of other cultures, Romans have established its own characteristics of ancient classical Rome, which has carved a pathway to many forms of artwork in the past and present time. The different genre that Rome has influenced is two-dimensional arts, sculpture, and architecture; with significant contributors, such as Michelangelo Buonarroti and Gian Lorenzo Benini. Historical Development and Evolution of Style Influenced by the Etruscans and inspired by the Greeks, the Romans artistry evolved to display realism and power. Romans learned practical and advanced engineering techniques from the Etruscans that began the groundwork for the vast buildings built to serve the needs of a growing population. After the overthrow of Greece majority of their artwork, and sculptures were brought back to Rome to adorn their city and palaces. Many Greek artists migrated to Rome to impart their skills and offer patronage to their predecessor. Greek artists skillfully integrated their knowledge and conveyed Romans love for realism in sculptures and nature in artwork that developed into...
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...Roman Empire The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings around the Mediterranean in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Population: 56.8 million (25 BC) Capitals: Rome, Constantinople, Ravenna Area: 1.062 million sq miles Founded: 27 BC Continent: Europe Government: Autocracy, Stratocracy The Founding of Rome The Founding of Rome is very much embroiled in myth. Traces found by archaeologists of early settlements of the Palatine Hill date back to ca 750 BC. This ties in very closely to the established legend that Rome was founded on 21 April 753 BC, which was traditionally celebrated in Rome with the festival of Parilia. Two founding legends exist - Romulus and Remus and Aeneas. Rather than contradict each other, the tale of Aeneas adds to that of Romulus and Remus. King Numitor of Alba Longa was ejected by his younger brother Amulius. To do away with any further possible pretenders to his usurped throne, Amulius murdered Numitor's sons and forced Numitor's daughter, Rhea Silvia, to become a vestal virgin. However Mars, the god of war became enchanted by her beauty and had his way with Rhea Silvia while she slept. As a result of this Rhea Silvia bore twins, Romulus and Remus. An enraged Amulius had Rhea Silvia thrown into the river Tiber where she was caught beneath the waves by the river god who married her. The twins were set adrift...
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...having a far-sighted leader to push for the right action after the demise of Pericles, Rome had far too many tyrants trying to seize control for their own good. The Republic did not have fail-safe laws to guard against corruption and oligarchic control, bringing about internal unrest. Furthermore, since the weight of a vote in Rome increased with the amount of wealth an individual possesses, it created the perfect environment for corruption. The further showcases the dissimilarity between both cities: citizens...
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...just anyone. In order to receive this title, one must be a large contributor to the city (Boardman 533-534). Octavius Caesar was related to the famous Julius Caesar through Octavius' mother. Atria was Octavius' grandmother and Julius Caesar's sister, therefore making Octavius his great-nephew. When Julius Caesar was murdered in 44 B.C., his will read that Octavius was to be adopted by him, making Octavius his son and heir to the Roman Empire. Also, in his will it stated that every citizen of Rome would receive a cash gift. Octavius rushed to Rome to take his throne, but when he arrived in Rome, he realized the Antony had already taken control of the city. He could not persuade Antony to release the money in Julius Caesar's treasury so he had to borrow all the money he could to give the gifts to the citizens. Julius Octavius Caesar was only eighteen when he was thrust into the world of hate and greed. Even though he was supposed to be the ruler of Rome, he had to march on Rome in order to get any respect from Cassius and Brutus. Cassius and Brutus were the head of the conspiracy to kill Julius Caesar. Ironically, Augustus comes back to kill Cassius and Brutus for the power. (Hornblower, Companion 105). When Augustus became emperor, he tried to...
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...How negatively does Aeneas’ abandonment of Dido reflect on his character? The Aeneid was seen as reflecting this aim, by depicting the heroic Aeneas as a man devoted and loyal to his country and its prominence, rather than personal gains, and going off on a journey for the betterment of Rome. The Aeneid is full of prophecies about the future of Rome, the deeds of Augustus, his ancestors, and famous Romans, and the Carthaginian Wars; the shield of Aeneas even depicts Augustus' victory at Actium in 31 BCE. A further focus of study is the character of Aeneas. As the protagonist of the poem, Aeneas seems to constantly waver between his emotions and commitment to his prophetic duty to found Rome. We know from other passages that Aeneas is not a character without compassion, yet if Aeneas feels genuine sympathy for the lover he is about to abandon, he fails to express it well. We can find fault in Aeneas because, while Virgil allows us a view of Aeneas’s emotions of sadness, regret, and reluctance as he leaves Carthage, Aeneas expresses little of these emotions to Dido. If we consider one’s self to reside in one’s will and emotions, Aeneas betrays himself by leaving Dido, and he admits as much, claiming that her words set them “both afire” (IV.498). Both Aeneas and Dido face a conflict between civic responsibility and individual desire. Aeneas sides with his obligations, while Dido submits to her desires, and so their love is tragically impossible. In terms of his patriotic duty...
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...Augustus, born Gaius Octavius, the adopted son of Julius Caesar was a highly successful Ruler of the Roman Empire following the death of his adopted father. He used a disguised military monarchy to maintain and keep power during his reign. Augustus used this military to create great personal wealth for himself and Rome. Augustus waged war all over the Mediterranean area throughout his reign. In the beginning of his rule he had about five hundred thousand Roman citizens sworn to him. He ended up taking more than three hundred thousand into the colonies under his banner (2,3). That gave Augustus three hundred thousand extremely loyal citizens of Rome. These men had gone to war with him and came home and won him glory. “In return Augustus gave these men after...
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...the stability of ancient Rome. The chaos and civil war resulting from the assassination of Julius Caesar caused the Roman Republic to quickly unravel and potentially collapse. After Octavian’s victory at the Battle of Actium against Marc Antony and Cleopatra, the Roman Republic fell; however, Octavian was there to lead Rome’s transition from Republic to Empire. He was then awarded the title Augustus and became the first emperor of Rome. Along with his position as emperor, Augustus obtained other titles such as head of the Senate, leader of the military, and chief priest. His overall goal for the Empire was to re-establish the security...
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