The Final Days of the Roman Republic
When Marc declared that Caesarian would rule instead of Octavian, Octavian became furious. This caused Octavian and Marc Antony to became involved in a propaganda war. Octavian argued that Marc was entirely under Cleopatra’s control and would abandon Rome and find a new capital in Egypt. Octavian definitely had more support so in 32 B.C. the Roman Senate stripped Antony of all his titles, and Octavian declared war on Cleopatra. On September 2, 31 B.C., Octavian’s army defeated those of Antony and Cleopatra’s forces in the Battle of Actium. Cleopatra’s ships deserted the battle and fled to Egypt, Antony soon managed to break away and follow her with a few ships soon after. Antony, after hearing a rumor that Cleopatra had committed suicide, stabbed himself , even though the rumor was not yet true. Once he realized that this rumor was false, Antony begged to see Cleopatra. Cleopatra then had Antony fastened in ropes and hosted up to her window. As Plutarch says, “ nothing was ever more sad than this spectacle to see Antony,covered all over with blood and just expiring, thus drawn up, still holding up his hands to her, and lifting his body with the little force he had left.” proving their love. On August 12, 30 B.C.,Cleopatra committed suicide at 39 years old. Although Cleopatra's death is uncertain the theory is that she poisoned herself with an Egyptian cobra to avoid humiliation of capture and defeat. This was selfish because she ended her entire dynasty and Antony’s just because she didn't want to be humiliated. In addition she sealed her son Caesarion fate. If she hadn't killed herself so soon, Caesarian may have lived a long happy life, and ruled after her death. Cleopatra did make an effort to hide Caesarion ,but a tutor betrayed him. Once found, Caesarion was viciously murdered by Octavian, to prevent Caesarions from fulfilling his duties as Cleopatra’s successor. However Octavian spared Cleopatra's three children with Mark Antony. Cleopatra's final wish was fulfilled and she was buried next to Antony. With Antony and Cleopatra out of the way Octavian took sole control of Rome as the unopposed ruler. The death of Antony and the end of the Roman Republic signals the beginning of the Roman Empire.