Fierce wars and faithful loves

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter focuses principally on Antony’s invasion of Parthia and his conquest of Armenia. Topics include: Antony’s arrangements in Antioch, where he renewed his relationship with Cleopatra; complications attending any description of Antony’s relationship with Cleopatra, including a discussion of his letter to Octavian on the topic preserved by Suetonius; Antony’s coinage depicting himself with Cleopatra; Antony’s invasion of Parthia; his retreat; celebrations of his invasion in Rome; the defection of Media Atropatene from Parthia to Antony and its implications; Octavian’s victory over Sextus Pompey; his flight to the east; the fall and disgrace of Lepidus; Antony’s conflict with Sextus Pompey; Sextus Pompey’s capture and execution; Octavia’s journey to the east; Antony’s decision to winter with Cleopatra instead of Octavia and its effect on politics in Rome; the deterioration of Antony’s relationship with Octavian; Antony’s conquest of Armenia and its celebration in Alexandria; the Donations of Alexandria and the nature of Ptolemaic ceremony.