Mark Antony Commits Suicide

(August 31, 30 BC)

            Remember what it was like, only 13 years ago, to be ruled by a single man? Remember how the entire republic reacted? Remember how powerless the people felt to know that one opinion could change their life forever? Well, in case you can’t recall any of these feelings, don’t fret: you may have the chance to relive them. On August 12, Mark Antony committed suicide alongside his lover, Cleopatra, in Egypt. Antony, who was previously a military general under Caesar’s rule, more recently led alongside imperator Octavian. However, his death leaves Octavian as the only ruler of Rome, leading many to believe that this may be the start of another Roman dictatorship. And, judging from what happened to our last dictator, I hope that he has some well-trained bodyguards.

            Although Antony was an extremely successful general under Caesar, and even aided the Republic more recently, leading the Second Triumvirate in the battle of Phillippi in 42. During the battle, the triumvirate fought against Caesar’s murderers, Brutus and Cassius in an attempt to repay them for murdering the famous dictator. However, it would be Antony’s leadership that would win the battle for the republic. By breaking through a blockade of soldiers protecting Brutus’ and Cassius’ camp, he was able to infiltrate the enemy camp. This inventive tactic ensured the Roman victory. With Julius Caesar’s death avenged, the two returned to Rome. However, this would be the end of peaceful times between the two leaders.
            As Octavian settled his troops back in Italy, Antony was once again dispatched to fight, this time against Parthia. To gain Egyptian support for the war, Antony established a relationship with Cleopatra, the Ptolemaic queen of Egypt. This was only the beginning of his life with the Egyptian Queen, however, as they began to join together not only politically, but romantically, too. In 37, the two got married.

            It was the beginning of the end.

            Since Antony gradually spent more time in Egypt solving their affairs, Octavian began to view him as an enemy, betraying Rome to help Egypt. With the intention to kill Antony and his lover, he began to chase the two around the Roman Empire.

            After gaining the support of the Roman army, Octavian finally attacked the Egyptian army along with Antony and Cleopatra in Greece, at the Battle of Actium. Knowing that his army had no chance of winning, Antony and Cleopatra fled back to Egypt, and after being captured, the two killed themselves with their own swords.

            It truly is a sad day in Rome, as we not only have lost a leader, but, even worse, we may have lost a republican governmental system in the process.