Enforce no further the griefs between ye

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter addresses events taking place between the fall of Perusia and the pact of Tarentum. Topics include: the Parthians’ invasion of Rome’s eastern dominions; Antony’s return to Italy and his conflict with Octavian; the death of Fulvia; the pact at Brundisium and Antony’s marriage to Octavia; Antony’s designation as governor of Rome’s eastern empire and his mission to punish Parthia; Virgil’s Fourth Eclogue; perturbation in Rome owing to scarcity and famine caused by Sextus Pompey’s blockade of the city; negotiations with Sextus Pompey leading to the pact of Misenum; Antony’s return to Athens with Octavia, where both receive divine honours; Antony’s policy of identifying himself as New Dionysus; Antony’s coinage depicting Octavia; the military successes of Publius Ventidius, which eliminate the Parthian threat; Antony’s administrative reorganization of Rome’s eastern empire; Antony’s initial preparations for a Parthian campaign; the recurrence of conflict between Sextus Pompey and Octavian; Antony’s decision to side with Octavian; their mysterious standoff at Tarentum and its resolution in the pact of Tarentum; Antony’s departure for the east and his decision to leave Octavia behind.