Honors 141: Cleopatra

Octavia

by Katie Miller

I. Historical Context
A. Second Triumvirate- Marc Antony, Octavian, and Marcus Lepidus
B. Treaty of Brundusium- sealed by Marriage to Antony
C. Rome declares war on Cleopatra
D. Battle of Actium

II. Brief Biography
A. Sister of Octavian
B. Fourth wife of Marc Antony
C. Mother of Five- three from a previous marriage and two by Antony
D. Died 11 B.C.

III. Principle Sources
A. Dr. Gregory Daughetry, Professor of Classics, Randolph-Macon College
B. Plutarch. Roman Lives. Oxford Press University. Oxford, NY. 1999
C. Grant, Michael. Cleopatra. Phoenix Press. London England. 1972
D. Pomeroy, Sarah B. Goddesses, Whores, Wives, and Slaves. Schoken Books, NY. 1975.
E. Baker, G.P. Augustus: The Golden Age of Rome. Cooper Square Press, NY. 2000.
F. Antony and Cleopatra (Videotape)
G. Cleopatra (Videotape)
H. http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/octavia.html
I. http://www.usask.ca/antiquities/Collection/Octavia.html
J. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear5/s1512.html

IV. Character Assessment
A. Representative of the typical Roman matron
i. submissive to her husband
ii. had no rights or political control
iii. loyal to her marriage
B. Devoted Sister
C. Respected member of the Roman community
i. intelligence
ii. natural beauty

V. Relationship with Cleopatra
A. Cleopatra was Antony's mistress, later his wife
i. never met
ii. this relationship led to war with Rome

VI. Assessment of Relationship with Cleopatra
A. Representative of everything that Cleopatra lacked
B. Dislike of Cleopatra

VII. Casting
A. Rene Zelwigger

Summary: