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William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra Historical Mr. Pogreba Background Helena High School The Roman World in 41 B.C.E. The Roman Republic ❖ The Roman Republic was founded in 509 B.C.E and ended in 27 B.C.E., replaced by the Roman Empire ❖ By 41 B.C.E. the Roman Republic controlled most of the Mediterranean and modern France. ❖ It was ruled by the Senate. Roman General and Politician Julius Caesar • Born to a middle class family in 100 B.C.E. • The greatest general in the history of Rome, he conquered modern France and put Egypt under Roman control. • He was appointed dictator for life in 44 B.C.E. • When he aspired to become King/ Emperor, he was murdered by the Senate on March 15, 44 B.C.E. Aftermath of Caesar’s Death ❖ His friend, Mark Antony, gave a speech over Caesar’s body that made the mob run wild in Rome, causing the assassins to ﬂee. ❖ Eventually, the Roman territories are divided between three rulers in the Triumvirate, who divide the Roman territories between them. The Second Triumvirate ❖ The Roman territories were ruled by three men: ❖ Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony) ❖ Octavian Caesar ❖ Marcus Lepidus ❖ They were threatened by the Parthian Empire and Sextus Pompey Octavian Lepidus Marc Antony 37 B.C.E. Territories of the Second Triumvirate Triumvir of Rome Marc Antony • Born in 83 B.C.E. • General under the command of Julius Caesar, he led the war against those who had killed Caesar. • He was the senior partner of the Trimuvirate, and given the largest territory to control in the East. • At the time of the play, he is married to Fulvia. Queen of Egypt Cleopatra • Born in Egypt in 69 B.C.E • The daughter of Ptolemy XII and his sister. • Cleopatra was not Egyptian, but Greek. • When her father died, Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XII are left in joint rule of Egypt. Cleopatra • When Julius Caesar ﬁrst came to Egypt, he and Cleopatra had an affair • Shortly after Caesar died, Cleopatra’s brother died, perhaps from poison, and she took control of Egypt. • Cleopatra may have been responsible for the death of four siblings. • Her rule of Egypt is conducted under the protection and control of Rome..

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