A Noble Ruin: Mark Antony, Civil War, and the Collapse of the Roman Republic

Classicist Tatum (Always I Am Caesar) delivers an insightful biography of Mark Antony (83–30 BCE) that counters longstanding depictions of the Roman general as hedonistic and overly passionate, which Tatum asserts were propagated by his vanquishers. Antony’s early career developed in the shadow of Julius Caesar. He served on Caesar’s military staff (during the conquest of Gaul) and as his political affiliate (supporting Caesar’s interests during his stint as tribune during the civil war between Caesar and Pompey), rose to the level of second-in-command under Caesar’s dictatorship, and, acting as consul after Caesar’s assassination in 44 BCE, helped to maintain the republic while working to avenge his death. With Lepidus and Octavian, Antony formed a three-person dictatorship (the Second Triumvirate) and distinguished himself in the civil war against Caesar’s assassins at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BCE. Relations between the triumvirs deteriorated as Antony gained renown in the East, particularly in Egypt through his relationship with Cleopatra. The situation erupted into yet another civil war, ending with Antony’s defeat at the Battle of Actium, his retreat to Egypt, and subsequent suicide. Tatum artfully analyzes Antony’s “adaptable” and “fiercely competitive” personality as a product, rather than a deviation from, his aristocratic republican milieu. Roman history buffs will welcome this comprehensive reassessment. (Dec.)