Marcus Antonius

Antony formed the Second Triumvirate with Octavian and Lepidus, legally dividing the Roman world among themselves. They proscribed their enemies, including Cicero, and consolidated power to defeat Caesar's assassins.

Antony and Octavian defeated the forces of Brutus and Cassius at Philippi in Macedonia. Antony commanded the decisive victory, leading to the deaths of both conspirators and ending the Republican resistance.

Antony formalized his alliance with Cleopatra VII of Egypt, marrying her and recognizing their children as rulers of various eastern territories. The Donations of Alexandria granted Roman lands to Ptolemaic heirs, provoking outrage in Rome.

Antony's fleet was decisively defeated by Octavian's forces under Agrippa at Actium in Greece. Cleopatra's ships fled, and Antony followed, abandoning his army. This defeat ended his bid for power.

After Octavian's forces captured Alexandria, Antony attempted suicide by stabbing himself. He died in Cleopatra's arms. His death ended the civil war and paved the way for Octavian to become Augustus, the first Roman emperor.