The Love Tragedy Of Cleopatra And Mark Anthony That Dragged Egypt Under The Roman Empire

The 1884 painting The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra by Lawrence Alma-Tadema (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - The phrase "I can't live without you" is probably an expression that is considered nonsense in this modern era. However, if you examine the story of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, this expression is true. The love story of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony is a beautiful love story but ends in tragedy.

Cleopatra and Mark Anthony met ten years before being in their prime. Launching Biography , Friday, June 26, Mark Antony is a great general who is liked by Julius Caesar because of his cheerful nature and high obsession. After Julius Caesar was murdered, Mark Antony summoned Cleopatra while he was living in the magnificent City of Tarsus. Cleopatra was called on to discuss the alliance of Rome and Egypt.

Previously, Antony had met Cleopatra in Rome when she was the concubine of his mentor, Julius Caesar. However, Antony now meets Cleopatra who is very strong and has a bright and intellectual beauty.

Aware of Antony's love for the show, Cleopatra's arrival was arranged as dramatically as possible. Cleopatra sailed for the City of Tarsus on a purple sailing ship that swelled and caught the eye.

Cleopatra managed to attract attention, and Mark Anthony was no exception. By the time Antony saw him, Antony was out of control like a young boy, says the Greek historian Appian. Not only that, Cleopatra also threw lavish parties and dinners for the Romans, flaunting her wealth by giving away all the furniture and jewelery.

Relationship continues

Antony then followed Cleopatra to Alexandria which experienced an artistic, cultural and scientific revival under Cleopatra's rule. The new couple also loves to flirt with each other. However, they had to separate when Antony went to Rome to report his victory. In her absence in Alexandria, namely in 40 BC, Cleopatra gave birth to twins who were named Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene.

In the same year, Antony married another intelligent woman, Octavia, whose goal was to strengthen his relationship with Octavian. Looking happy in their new marriage, Antony and Cleopatra did not see each other for three and a half years, until they were finally reunited in Antioch, the capital of Syria in 37 BC.

They eventually returned to traveling together due to military exploitation and Antony's obligation to travel throughout the Mediterranean. It is said that during this period Antony's military prowess began to waver, causing him to lose thousands of people. However, this failure was blamed on Cleopatra.

However, in the fall of 34 BC, Antony triumphantly returned to Alexandria. Reunited with Cleopatra, "the two most extraordinary people in the world" held an event that became known as "Donation from Alexandria."

Dead

The combined strength of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony's powers made Octavianus thirsty for war even more. Octavian's anger was heightened when he learned that Antony had given a part of the Middle East, including Egypt, Cyprus, Crete and Syria, as a wedding gift for Cleopatra. Octavian, who was the nephew of Julius Caesar, then declared war on Antony in 31 BC.

Antony and Cleopatra join the battle. However, Octavian's army was superior. Antony then joined the battlefield shortly after. Unfortunately, while at war, news broke that Cleopatra had committed suicide. Hearing the news, Antony then committed suicide using his own sword.

After Antony took his last breath, Cleopatra continued to struggle. He attempted to negotiate with Octavian. However, all hope was lost. Cleopatra carried the poison past Octavian's guards.

When Octavian realized what was happening, he sent soldiers to check on Cleopatra. They then found Cleopatra dead. While the two servants, Charmion and Iras, are dying.

With Cleopatra's death, Egypt became part of the Roman Empire. Caesarion was killed. Meanwhile, Alexander Helios, Cleopatra Selene, and Ptolemy Philadelphus were brought to Rome by Octavia who was married to Mark Anthony.

The victorious Octavian erases all traces of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony. But even so, in honor of Cleopatra's last wish, she buried Cleopatra and Mark Antony in one place.