5672. Antony's fleet was twice defeated before the last great battle. {*Velleius Paterculus, l. 2. c. 84. 1:229} Just as they were going to the last battle, it was said that there was a captain of the foot soldiers, who was a valiant man and had fought many battles under Antony's command and had many scars on his body. In Antony's presence he cried out to him:
``O noble emperor, why do you distrust these wounds and our swords and put your trust in these wooden ships? Let the Egyptians and Phoenicians fight by sea; give us permission to fight by land, where we would either die standing or to defeat our enemies.''
5673. Antony did not reply but with his hand and countenance as it were he bid him be of good courage. Antony passed by without any great courage himself. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 63. 9:283}
5674. Of the Egyptian ships, Antony and Cleopatra only kept 60 and burnt the rest. They did not have enough solders to guard them because of the number of runaways and defeats. By night, they carried aboard all the things they had of most value. When the captains of the galleys in the battle would only have taken their oars and have left their sails, Antony compelled them to carry them with them and to put them on their ships. He said it must be done, lest any of his enemies should escape when by this means Antony was really providing a means to escape. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 63. 9:283} {*Dio, l. 50. 5:485.}
5675. Caesar had 200 warships and 30 without tiers of oars. His galleys for swiftness were like light ships. In the fleet were eight legions, besides five praetorian cohorts. Antony's fleet was 170 ships. Although they were fewer in number they were much larger in size and some had 10 tiers of oars. {Orosius, l. 5. c. 19.} Florus stated: {*Florus, l. 4. c. 11. 1:325}
``We had 400 ships and the enemy had not less than 200 but what they lacked in number was made up for in size. All they had were from six to nine tiers of oars. Moreover, they were so raised with turrets and decks that they resembled castles and cities and made the sea groan under them and the wind out of breath to move them. There very size was there weakness.''
5676. Caesar, in his commentaries, produced by Plutarch, denied these things concerning the number of Antony's ships. He said that he took 300 of them. Vegetius {Vegetius, de re militari, l. 4. c. 17.} stated the size may be calculated by the tiers of oars:
``There met ships of six and more tiers of oars.''
5677. Florus stated that:
``Caesar's ships did not have more than three to six tiers and none larger.''
5678. Strabo along with Plutarch and Dio positively said that Antony had some ships that had ten tiers. See Scaliger about this. {Scaliger, Eusebius, ad num. 1230.}
5679. It was reported that Sextus Pompeius was defeated in Sicily by the larger size of Caesar's ships. Antony had built his ships much larger than his enemies. He had some of three tiers of oars but all the rest were from four to ten tiers. He also built high towers on them and put in them great numbers of men who would fight as it were from a wall. He put all the noble men he had with him on shipboard, lest if they were on their own, they may revolt from him (as Dellius and some others that fled to Caesar had done.) He also put on board some archers, slingers, and armed soldiers. {*Dio, l. 50 5:485} He filled his best and largest ships, from three to ten tiers of oars, with 20,000 foot soldiers and 2000 archers. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 64. 9:283}
5680. When Caesar saw the preparations of the enemy and knew of his intentions from others, but especially from Dellius, he prepared also for the battle. {*Dio, l. 50. 5:485} The first four days the sea was so rough that the battle was delayed. On the fifth day the sky cleared, and storm ceased and they came to battle. Antony and Poblicolus were in the right wing, Caelius in the left, the middle was M. Cotavia, and M. Justeius commanded. Caesar placed Agrippa in the left wing and he kept the right wing himself. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 65. 9:283} However Velleius Paterculus stated: {*Velleius Paterculus, l. 2. c. 85. 1:229}
``The right wing of the Caesar's ships was committed to M. Larius (or Lurius) and the left to Arruntius. Agrippa directed the whole battle by sea. Caesar was present anywhere, he felt the his presence was needed to help the battle. The command of Antony's fleet was committed to Publicola and Sosius.''
5681. All historians agree on the commanders of the land forces. Taurus commanded Caesar's forces and Canidius commanded Antony's.
5682. Antony sailed about in a swift Pinnas ship and exhorted his soldiers and encouraged them to fight valiantly as if they were on firm land because the ships were so heavy and large. Antony ordered the captains of the galleys that they should receive their enemies' charge as if their ships were at anchor and that they stay in the mouth of the gulf. {Plutarch, Antony, c. 65. 9:285}
5683. They reported that while it was yet dark, Caesar left his tent to visit his fleet. On his way he met an ass named Nicon (meaning Victor) and his driver Eutyohus (meaning Prosper). After the victory, he erected their images in brass in a temple which he built in the very place where he had camped. {Suetonius, in Octavian, c. 96.} {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 65. 9:285} There happened also that as he was sacrificing before the fight, a beast that had a two livers was sacrified. {*Pliny, l. 11. c. 73. 3:551}
5684. Caesar went in a pinnace ship to the right wing of Antony's fleet, and wondered why the enemy lay so still in the gulf and thought that they were at anchor. As he kept his galleys, a little gale began to rise from the sea and Antony's soldiers began to be angry that they were withheld from fighting. They trusted in the huge size of their ships, as if they had been invincible. They advanced their left wing which Caesar's men began to fight with as soon as they left the gulf. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 65. 9:287}
5685. Caesar's ships were more agile and easier to manoeuvrer in battle, either to attack or retire. The enemy ships were heavy and unwieldy and many of Caesar's ships attacked each of them with arrows, rams and shot fire brands and overcame them. {*Florus, l. 4. c. 21. 1:325} On the other side, Antony's soldiers, shot with their crossbows from the wooden towers, arrows and stones. They also cast grappling irons on the enemy's ships if they came too near. If the irons grabbed, they overcame the enemy, otherwise they made a hole in their own ships and sank them! This is how the sea battle went. Both sides used various methods to stir up the skill and courage of their soldiers. They also heard the cries of those land soldiers that heartened them on crying, "Courage!" {*Dio, l. 50. 5:505,507} {Plutarch, Antony, c. 66. 9:287}
5686. Agrippa extended one of his wings to surround the enemy. Poblicola, on the other side was also forced to widen his wing and so was divided from his main body. Antony was attacked and fought with Arrantius but on equal terms. Cleopatra who had been in suspense for a long time as what to do and now feared the they might lose the battle, signalled her ships. She in a galley whose poop deck was of gold and her sails of purple along with 60 of the swiftest Egyptian ships, hoisted their main sails. They had a good wind and set sail for Peloponesus. As soon as Antony saw the ships of Cleopatra under sail, he forgot everything and embarked in a galley with five tiers of oars. He removed the ensign from the admiral's galley and followed his fleeing wife accompanied only by Alexander, Syrian and Scellius. {*Florus. l. 4. c. 21. 1:327} {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 66. 9:287,289} {*Dio, l. 50. 5:505-509} {Orosius, l. 6. c. 19.} Thus the general, who should punish runaways, deserted his own army. No doubt he would have ordered the victory according to the wishes of Cleopatra, who caused his flight at her command. {*Velleius Paterculus, l. 2. c. 85. 1:229,231}
5687. When Cleopatra saw that Antony was coming, she lifted up a sign from her ship and Antony was taken on board. He did not see her nor was seen by her but went and sat down alone in the prow of the ship. He never said a word and clapped both his hands over his head. {Plutarch, Antony, c. 67. 9:289}
5688. Antony's soldiers were astonished by the flight of their general, and began also to think of fleeing. Some hoisted sail and others cast the towers and tacklings of their ships into the sea so that the lightened ships could flee faster. Caesar's soldiers, who had no sails on their ships and were only prepared for a naval battle, did not follow those who fled. They attacked those that were preparing to flee (for now they were equal to their enemies in number.) They surrounded each of the ships of their enemies and with many of their own, they fought with them close by and who were afar off. {*Dio, l. 50. 5:509} Antony's soldiers were very brave for a long time after their general was gone and when they despaired of victory, they fought so that they might die. Caesar tried to pacify them with words whom he might have killed with his sword. He shouted to them telling them that Antony had fled and demanded of them for whom and with whom they fought. {*Velleius Paterculus, l. 2. c. 85. 1:231} Finally he was forced to order fire to be brought from the camp for now there was no other way of getting the full victory. He had refrained from setting fire to the ships in hope of getting the enemies' treasure. Caesar's men could not control themselves when the enemy's ships were on fire much less do any more harm to their enemies. They sailed to them and with desire of getting money, they endeavoured to quench the fire. Many perished by being burned with their ships and in fighting with their enemies. {*Dio, l. 50. 5:511-515}
5689. When the fleet of Antony had long resisted Caesar and was seriously damaged with the waves which beat against the prows of their ships, they were defeated about the tenth hour. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 88. 9:293} Thus the soldiers when they had long fought for their absent general, at last very unwillingly laid down their arms and surrendered. Caesar soon gave them life and pardon to those before they even could be persuaded to ask for it. It was generally granted that the soldiers performed the parts of an excellent general, and the general of a cowardly soldier. {*Velleius Paterculus, l. 2. c. 85. 1:231}
5690. From the fifth hour (as Orosius says) to the seventh, the battle on both sides went without any clear outcome. However, the rest of the day with the following night, Caesar got the upper hand {Orosius, l. 6. c. 19.} for the battle continued until late at night so that the conqueror was forced to stay on board all night. {Suetonius, in Octavian, c. 17.}
5691. The battle at Actium was fought when Caesar and Messala Corvinus were consuls. {*Velleius Paterculus, l. 2. c. 84. 1:227} on the second of September. From this time begins the empire of Caesar as in the beginning of his 51st book of Dio. In another place Dio said his reign lasted 44 years {*Dio, l. 56. 7:68} less 13 days the time between his death on the 19th of August and the second of September when he started to rule. Both of those days are excluded after which custom of Suetonius {Suetonius, in Octavian, c. 8.} Aurelius Victor and Eutropius are to be followed when as they say that he alone governed the state a full 44 years.
5692. As soon as it was day, Caesar completed his victory. 12,000 of the conquered were killed and 6000 or 7000 wounded of whom 1000 died of their wounds. {Orosius, l. 6. c. 19} Plutarch stated that not more than 5000 died and 300 ships were captured. The remains of this huge armada, was carried in its wrecks up and down over the whole sea. For the seas being cleared with the wind and did daily wash up on the shores gold and purple from the spoils of the Arabians and Sabeans and a thousand other countries of Asia. {Florus, l. 4. c. 21. 1:327}
5693. This famous naval battle was so much spoken of by the poets of that time. {Virgil, Aeneid, l. 8} {Ovid, Metamorphos. 15.} {Horace, Epod. 9. ad Moecenatem} {Propertius, l. 4. Elog. 6. } Propertius has this memorable saying:
The cause it is the soldier animates, Which if not good, his courage shame abates.
5694. The rejoiner is that what Messala Corvinus is reported to have said, when he was commended by Caesar (with whom he was colleague this year in the consulship.) He said that although he was his utter enemy in Brutus' rebellion, yet he had done very good service for Caesar in the battle of Actium.
``O Caesar, you shall always find me of the better and juster party. {*Plutarch, Brutus, c. 53. 6:247}
5695. From the spoils of the enemy, Caesar dedicated ten ships to Apollo from Actium, from a ship of one tier of oars up to a ship with ten. {*Strabo, l. 7. p. 301} {*Dio, l. 51. 6:5}
5696. Caesar sent part of his fleet in pursuit of Antony and Cleopatra. When they could not overtake them, they returned. {*Dio, l. 6. 6:5} Some lighter ships overtook Antony which he repulsed. Only Eurycles, a Lacedemonian, the son of Lacharis who was beheaded by Antony for thievery, shook a lance at him from the deck of the ship as if he should have thrown it at him. He did not attack Antony's ship but he struck another galley of the admiral with his prow (for there were two of them.) He turned her round and captured her and another ship which was loaded with very rich items and baggage. {Plutarch. Antony, c. 67. 9:289,291}
5697. After he was gone, Antony returned to his former silence and resumed his previous posture. After he had spent three days thus in the prow of the ship, he was either smitten with anger or shame. He arrived at Taenarus where Cleopatra's women first brought them to speak to each other and later they ate and slept together. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 67. 9:291}
5698. Many merchant ships arrived there and some of Antony's friends who had escaped by flight, brought news that indeed the fleet was scattered but they thought that the land forces were intact. Antony sent messengers to Canidius and ordered him that as quickly as possible, he should retire with the army through Macedonia into Asia. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 67. 9:291}
5699. Many of the army on land did not know of Antony's flight. When they heard of it, it seemed incredible that he should flee and leave behind him 19 whole legions of foot soldiers and 12,000 cavalry. His soldiers hoped that he would again appear somewhere else. They showed so much loyalty to him that when his flight was certainly known, they stayed seven days and rejected the messengers who were sent to them by Caesar. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 68. 9:293}
5700. Caesar overtook them as they were marching into Macedonia and without fighting, joined them to himself. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:5} When it was night, the general Canidius left the camp and in all haste fled to Antony. They were destitute of all things and betrayed by their leaders so they joined themselves to the conqueror {*Velleius Paterculus, l. 2. c. 86. 1:231} {*Plutarch, Antony, 9:293} who added them to his own army. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:5,7}
5701. Many of the Roman nobility even then fled to Antony but the auxiliaries fled into their own countries and never after this waged war against Caesar. They along with all the people who were formerly subject to the Romans, over the space of time accepted the conditions of peace from Caesar. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:5,6}
5702. Caesar demanded money from the cities and took from them the power over the citizens which they usurped in the councils of the people. He took from the kings and governors, all the towns they had received from Antony, except for Amyntas and Archelaus. He disposed, Philopater the son of Tarcondimotus, (the prince of Cilicia), Lycomedes who obtained the kingdom of Pontus in part of Cappadocia and Alexander the brother of Jamblichus, who had received a kingdom in Arabia. Alexander had received his kingdom for accusing Caesar. He gave the country of Lyconmedis to Medius, who was the instigator of the revolt of the Mysians of Asia from Antony. He granted freedom to the Cydonians and Lampaeans (in Crete,) because they helped him. He rebuilt the city of the Lampaeans which was destroyed. The senators and equestrians and other noble men, who had in any way helped Antony, were either fined or put to death or pardoned. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:6}
5703. Among those that he granted life to, was Sosius. He had often made war against Caesar but fled and hid and was later found. Caesar let him go free. Caesar spared M. Scaurus, the half brother of Sextus Pompeius, who also was appointed to death, for his mother Murcia's sake. Among those who were put to death, was Curio the son of that Curio whose help Caesar the dictator often used and his father Aquilles Flori. Caesar only ordered the one who drew the lot to die. Before the lots were cast, the son offered to die and was executed. The father from great grief killed himself over his dead son's body. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:7,9}
5704. Cassius Parmensis fled to Athens. {*Velleius Paterculus, l. 1. c. 87. 1:235} Horace mention him {Horace, l. 3. epist. 4} as asking of Albius Tibullus the poet, if he means him:
``What, write to excel Parmensis Cassius?''
5705. Of Cassius' poems, "Orpheus" is thought to be one, which is recorded by Achilles Statius, at the end of the commentaries on the book of Suetonius, a famous rhetorician. A poem also called "Brutus" is cited by Varro. {Varro, de lingua Latina, l. 5.} It stated that Cassius was terrified at Athens with such a ghost, as was said to have appeared to Brutus before the battle at Philippi. Valerius noted in these words in the previous place. In the dead of the night as he lay in bed, his mind was wrought with grief and cares. He thought that he saw coming to him, a very large man. He was of a black hew with an ugly beard and long hair. When Cassius asked who he was, he answered, xakodaimona. He was terrified with so horrible a vision and a more horrid name. He called his servants and asked them if they saw anyone coming or going. They replied that no one came there and he went back to bed. However, the same vision was always in his mind. Therefore, he gave up trying to sleep and ordered a light to be brought in and forbid his servants to leave him. Valerius added that a short time later after this night, he was executed by Caesar. He was among the last that were put to death for the murder of Julius Caesar as Trebonius was the first to die. {*Velleius Paterculus, l. 2. c. 87. 1:235} {Orosius, l. 6. c. 19.} This we know from the previous account of Valerius Maximus, which was done at Athens a little after the victory at Actium.
5706. At that time, Caesar sailed to Athens and was appeased with the Greeks, he distributed the grain that was left in the war to the cities which suffered from famine and were despoiled of money, servants, and horses. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 68. 9:295}
5707. Antony wanted to leave Tenarus for Africa and selected one good cargo ship to hold his enormous treasure. He gave the other rich plate of gold and silver to his friends and ordered them to divide it among them and to shift for themselves. They refused and were in tears. He very courteously comforted them and finally dismissed those who would provide for themselves. He wrote letters to Theophilus, the governor of Corinth, that he would keep them safe and give them some hiding place until they might make their peace with Caesar. Theophilus was the father of Hypparchus, who was greatly respected by Antony and the first of his freed men who defected to Caesar and later went and lived at Corinth. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 67. 9:291,293}
5708. So that Cleopatra might safely sail to Egypt, she put crowns on the prows of her ships and ordered those songs to be sung on a pipe that are usually sung after obtaining a victory. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:17}
5709. When they arrived safely in Egypt, she put to death many noble men who were always her enemies. At that time they were elated over her defeat. She took what they had, including the sacrifices to their gods and even from temples. She got an enormous amount of money this way and she prepared an army and sought after foreign mercenaries. She hoped to make an alliance with the king of Media and she sent to him the head of the king of Armenia, (Artavasdes or Artabazes.) {*Dio, l. 51. 6:17}
5710. She also embarked on a bold and great enterprise. She planned to have her fleet cross over the isthmus which divides the Red Sea from Egypt which is thought to divide Africa from Asia. It is about 38 miles at its narrowest point. She sent her forces into the Arabian Gulf with a great amount of money, so that she might find some remote country with her ships and so be free from slavery and war. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 69. 9:297} However, the first ships which were carried over and others that were built for sailing into the Red Sea were burnt by the inhabitants of Arabia Pesora by the instigation of Q. Didius the governor of Syria. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 69. 9:297} {*Dio, l. 51. 6:19,21}
5711. Antony came into Africa and went into a desert. He wandered up and down with only his two friends, Aristocrates a Greek rhetorician, and Luculius, a Roman. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 69. 9:295} After he had sent some to Pinarius Scarpus and the army which he had previously raised for the defence of Egypt, the general told them that he would not entertain Antony and killed those who were sent to him and also put to death some soldiers who disagreed with his actions. {*Dio, l. 51., 6:17}
5712. When Antony knew of this revolt, he planned to kill himself but was prevented by his friends. He went to Alexandria and still thought that the legions at Actium were intact. (Canidius later brought him news that this was not so.) Therefore, Cleopatra abandoned her plans of sailing into the Red Sea and fortified with garrisons the mouths of the Nile River instead. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 69. 9:297}
5713. But Antony left the city and the company of his friends and built an house on the sea by the isle of Pharos. He created a mound in the sea to build on. He lived there as a banished man from all men and said he would lead the life of Timon misanqrwpou, "the man hater", because his condition was so like to his. He was abused by his friends and had experienced their ingratitude. Therefore he would trust no man and was angry with all men and called his house, "Timonium." {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 69. 9:295} {*Strabo, l. 17. 8:39}
5714. Herod sent to Antony and advised him to put Cleopatra to death. He said, if that were done in a timely manner, Antony could enjoy her estate and obtain from Caesar easier conditions of peace. {Josephus, l. 15. c. 10.}
5715. Caesar dismissed his old soldiers and Antony's army into Italy. He gave them nothing and the rest he sent into various places. He was afraid lest those who were companions of his victory and were dismissed without any reward, should raise any seditions. He sent Agrippa after them into Italy as if it were on some other business. He settled the affairs of Greece, as if there were no danger to be expected from those soldiers who were discharged. He went into Asia and settled things there. He awaited what Antony would do. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:9,11}
5716. All the people and kings denied to send any help to Antony and Cleopatra, (although many of them had received generous favours from them both.) The gladiators were a people of most abject condition and were brought up at Cyzicum by Antony, to hold triumphal plays when Caesar was defeated. (See Appian on 35 BC.) They valiantly fought for them. As soon as they knew what had happened, they decided to go to Egypt to help them. Their journey upset Amyntas in Galatia and the sons of Tarcondimotus in Cilicia, who formerly had been good friends to Antony and Cleopatra, but had revolted from them. Also Q. Didius, the governor of Syria forbid them to go through his land. They were boxed in and could not go into Egypt and could not cause a revolt in Syria. Although Didius gave them many good promises, they sent for Antony to come to them. They thought that they might the more easily wage war in Syria if Antony was with them. Antony did not go nor send any messengers to them. They unwillingly yielded to Didius on the condition that they would never fight as gladiators again. Didius gave them, Daphne, a suburb of Antioch, to live in, until he had known what Caesar wanted to do. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:21}
5717. To suppress these gladiators, Didius wrote to Caesar, that there were troops sent to him by Herod. Caesar talked about this with Herod where he said that {Josephus, Wars, l. 1. c. 15.} Ventidius had written to him that you have helped him against the gladiators. {Josephus, Wars, l. 1. c. 15.} Again he wrote that Capidius had written to him how much Herod had helped him in the war against the monarchs of Syria. {Josephus, Antiq., l. 15. c. 10.} In the previous place I have written "gladiators" for "monarchs." So it is clear, that in both places for "Ventidius" and "Capidius", the name of Q. Didius is to be written. By this action, news came to Antony at his house, Timonium that Herod the Jew with some legions and cohorts had defected to Caesar. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 71. 9:301}
5718. Many things were decreed at Rome in honour of Caesar for his victory at sea. A triumph was given to him for Cleopatra and a triumphal arch at Brundusium and another one in the Roman forum. The base of the Julian temple should be decorated with the prows of captured ships. Every fifth year, plays were held in honour of him. There should always be processions on his birthday and on the day the news was first brought of his victory. The vestal virgins, senate and their wives and children, should go and meet him as he entered the city. All the ornaments of Antony should be pulled down and demolished. His birthday should be considered an unlucky day. An edict was passed that none of that family should have the first name of Marcus. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:51,53}
5719. Caesar retired to Samos to winter there. {Suetonius, in Octavian, c. 17.} Antony had taken away the three great colossal statues of Myron that stood on one base. Caesar replaced two of them on the same base, namely, Minerva and Hercules. He carried Jupiter into the capitol and made a temple just for it. {*Strabo, l. 14. 6:213,215}
5720. When Caesar viewed the prisoners there, Metellus, an old man was brought out. He had long hair and otherwise deformed by reason of his hard life. When the crier was called his name as he stood among the prisoners, his son, who was one of Caesar's captains, leaped from his seat and went and embraced him with tears whom he barely knew. Then he stopped weeping and he said:
``My father, O Caesar, was an enemy to you, I a companion. He has deserved punishment, I a reward. I desire that either you would grant my father his life for my sake or put me to death together with him.''
5721. Caesar began to pity them and granted Metellus life although he was his mortal enemy and had spurned many previous offers to defect from Antony. {*Appian. l. 4. c. 42. 4:211,213}
5722. Antony left his cottage by the sea which he called Timonium and went to the palace. He was entertained by Cleopatra and he turned all the city to revelling and banqueting and liberally gave gifts. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 71. 9:301} He enrolled Caesarion, the son of Caesar and Cleopatra, among the young men. He gave his own son Antyllus by Fulvia the virile gown, without the purple hem. He did this so that the Egyptians might be more cheerful by having a man to reign over them and the rest that should have them for commanders should be more satisfied if anything should happen to Antony and Cleopatra. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 71. 9:301} {*Dio, l. 51. 6:17,19}
5723. Thereupon there was huge feastings and banquetings at Alexandria for many days. However, they turned this meeting into another nothing inferior to the other in delights, luxury, and splendour, which they called Suuapbanoumhwwn or of:
``Those who will die together.''
5724. This was for the friends of those who would die together. They registered their names and passed the time in pleasures and in feasting when it came round to everyone's turn. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 71. 9:301}
5725. Moreover, Cleopatra gathered various sorts of deadly poisons. She tested them on condemned persons and animals and watched how they died. She did this daily and among all that she found that the biting of the asp was the only way to die. It only brought a sleepiness and heaviness on one without any spasms or pain. It caused only a gentle sweating of the face and a languishing stupidity of the senses. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 71. 9:301,303}
5726. Although Antony and Cleopatra prepared as if they would make war both by sea and land, yet also provided for an alternative plan. If on any urgent necessity, they might set sail for Spain and hoped that they could cause a revolt with their money. Otherwise, they would go to the Red Sea. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:19}
``of whose preparation to flee into the ocean'' {*Florus, l. 2. c. 11. 1:327}
3974b AM, 4684 JP, 30 BC
5727. Caesar entered into his fourth consulship in Asia. {Suetonius, in Octavian, c. 26.} He, for the sixth time, is called emperor and was now for the fourth time consul with Marcus Licinius Crassus. Caesar came to Brundusium {Orosius, l. 6. c. 19.} after he was recalled to Italy by letters written by Agrippa from Rome {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 73. 9:305} to repress a sedition of the soldiers who demanding rewards for their services. They were discharged after the victory at Actium from the whole number Caesar had sent before to Brundusium. {Suetonius, in Octavian, c. 17.}
5728. In crossing the seas, Caesar was twice bothered by storms, first between the cape of Peloponesus and Aetolia and again by the Caraunian Mountains. In both places, some of his smaller ships were lost and the tackling was ripped and the helm broken in his ship. {Suetonius, in Octavian, c. 17.}
5729. Caesar came to Brundusium in the middle of winter but went no farther. He was met by the whole senate (the tribunes of the people had appointed two praetors for the government of the city by a decree of the senate,) with the equestrians and great many of the people along with many others. Those very soldiers came there also, some through fear (of so large a crowd and of Caesar himself), whom Germanicus said {Tacitus, Annals, l. 1. c. 42.}
``That he daunted the Actian legion with his look.''
5730. Some came and hoped for pay while others were sent for. Caesar gave some of them money and he gave lands to some that had been with him in all his wars. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:13}
5731. Suetonius wrote that he did not stay at Brundusium more than 27 days until he had settled his business with the soldiers. Dio said that he went into Greece again on the 31st day after he came into Italy. Because it was winter, the ships were brought over the isthmus of Peloponesus. He so quickly came into Asia that Cleopatra and Antony heard of his departure and return at the same time. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:15:17}
5732. Antony sent to Herod, Alexas or Alexander, a Laodicean, who had been made know to him at Rome by Timagenes who had more influence on Antony than any other Greek. Alexas was to prevent Herod from defecting to Caesar but Alexas betrayed Antony and stayed with Herod. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 72. 9:303}
5733. Alexandra hoped that Herod would be thoroughly punished by Caesar, who was his enemy. She solicited her father Hyrcanus that he would not allow this affliction of their family but that he would hope for better things. She counselled him also that he should ask protection from Malchus, the king of Arabia. Hyrcanus first found these suggestions repulsive. Finally, he was overcome with her constant pleadings and entertained better things and contemplated the treachery of Herod. He sent letters to the Arabian, by Dositheus, a friend of his, that he should send cavalry. These would escort him to the Dead Sea which was about 40 miles from Jerusalem. Dositheus was a relative to Joseph who was put to death by Herod. His brothers were also put to death among others at Tyre by Antony. Nevertheless, to curry favour with the king, he showed him the letter. Herod thanked him and asked for a favour. He wanted him to put a new seal on the letter and deliver it to Malchus and get his reply. The Arabian wrote word back that he was ready to help Hyrcanus and his family and all the Jews that were of that faction. He would send a band of soldiers who would conduct him in safety and would obey him in all matters. After Herod had also received this letter, he summoned Hyrcanus. He asked him if he had any alliance with Malchus and Hyrcanus denied it. Herod showed the letters in the council of the sanhedrim and ordered him to be put to death. Thus are these matters are recorded in Herod's commentaries but are stated otherwise by others for they say that Hyrcanus was not put to death for this crime but for some other treasons against the king. {Josephus, Antiq. l. 15. c. 9.}
5734. Antony and Cleopatra sent ambassadors to Caesar to Asia. Cleopatra asked for the kingdom of Egypt for her children and Antony asked that he might lead a private life in Athens. If that was not granted then he wished to live in Egypt. Because of the lack of friends and the distrust which they felt because of defections, Antony sent Euphroneus, his sons' school teacher as a ambassador. {Plutarch, Antony, c. 72. 9:303} Cleopatra, without Antony's knowledge sent Caesar a gold sceptre, a gold crown and a golden chair as if she were delivering her kingdom over to him. If he really hated Antony, she hoped he might have some pity on her. Caesar accepted the presents, accounting them as good omens but gave Antony no answer. He truly publicly threatened Cleopatra and replied that if she would lay aside her arms and her kingdom, he would then advise what was fitting to be done with her. Privately he promised her impunity and her kingdom if she would put Antony to death. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:19,21}
5735. After Herod had executed Hyrcanus, he sent a message to Caesar. Herod saw that his friendship he had shown to Antony would not help him. He suspected Alexandra might use this opportunity to incite the people to rebel and fill the kingdom with domestic seditions. Therefore he committed the care of the kingdom to his brother Pheroras and he left his mother Cyproes, sister Salome and all his family in the citadel of Masada. He ordered his brother that if anything untoward should happen, he should assume the government of the kingdom. He placed his wife Mariamme, who could not get along with his mother, in Alexandrion with her mother Alexandra. Herod committed their custody to his treasurer, Joseph and Sohemus, an Iturian. They were men that had always been faithful to him and were now appointed to this duty to honour them. However, he ordered that if they should certainly know that any sinister mishap befell him, that they should quickly kill both the ladies and to the utmost of their power, continue the kingdom for his children, and his brother Pheroras. {Josephus, Antiq. l. 15. c. 9.}
5736. After giving these commands, Herod sent to Rhodes to meet with Caesar there. When Herod arrived, he only laid aside his crown but retained his other princely attire. He was admitted into Caesar's presence with great constancy and magnanimity of spirit. He freely confessed the alliance he had with Antony and also the help he sent Antony of grain and money. The Arabian war prevented him from helping him in person. Moreover, he added that he was ready to be a faithful friend of Caesar. Caesar exhorted him and restored his crown to him and exceedingly honoured him. Thus beyond all expectations, Herod was again confirmed in his kingdom by the free gift of Caesar and by a decree of the senate which Caesar obtained for him. {Josephus, Antiq. l. 15. c. 10. Wars, l. 1. c. 15.} Strabo also notes: {Strabo, l. 16. 7:299}
``He excelled his ancestors so much especially in friendship with the Romans that he was declared king, first by Antony and later by Caesar granting the same authority to him.''
5737. Also we read: {Tacitus, Histories, l. 5. c. 9.}
``When Augustus was conqueror, he enlarged Herod's kingdom that was given to him by Antony.''
5738. Herod gave presents to Caesar and also to his friends beyond his ability, to show his generosity. He endeavoured also to secure the pardon for Alexas or Alexander, the Laodicean, who was sent to him from Antony but he was unable to. Caesar had sworn that he would punish him (for he had been the most strong defender of Antony of all the machinations that Cleopatra used against Octavia.) Therefore, Alexas relied on Herod's good reception and dared to come into Caesar's presence. He was soon taken and carried in bonds into his own country and there executed by Caesar's orders. This was during the lifetime of Antony whom he had betrayed. {Josephus, Antiq. l. 15. c. 10. Wars, l. 1. c. 15.} {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 62, 9:303,305}
5739. Antony and Cleopatra sent other ambassadors to Caesar. Cleopatra promised Caesar through them an enormous amount money and Antony reminded him of the friendship and family ties which were between them and excused the familiarity that he had with the Egyptian woman. Antony recalled their previous alliance between them and the deeds which they had done in their youth. Moreover, he turned over to Caesar, Q. Turullius a senator who was one of Caesar's murderers and then his friend. Antony promised also that he would kill himself if by so doing that he might obtain security for Cleopatra. Caesar executed Turullius on the isle of Cos where Turullius had felled trees for ship timber from Aesculapius' grove. Caesar did not reply to Antony. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:23}
5740. In the absence of Herod, his wife, Mariamme and his mother-in-law, Alexandra were very unhappy in being confined to that citadel as if in prison so that they could neither enjoy their estate nor make use of other men's goods. They were very upset when Mariamme used her feminine flatteries and had fished out of Sohemus what Herod had ordered him concerning them. She then began to wish that he would never return home and her life with him would be intolerable. She did not hide her discontent but openly said what it was that bothered her. Herod had returned beyond all expectations and told Mariamme the successes he had. She did not seem to take notice and she would sigh at all the caresses that he made. Hence Herod plainly knew the hatred of his wife against him and was wavering between love and hatred toward her. {Josephus, Antiq., l. 15. c. 11.}
5741. Before Caesar went with his army into Egypt, he went into Syria. {Josephus, Antiq. l. 15. c. 11} {Suetonius, c. 17.} {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 64. 9:307} {Orosius}
5742. Phraates and Tiridates fought over the kingdom of Parthia and asked help from Caesar. He did not reply directly but he said he would consider it another time because of the problems in Egypt. Indeed he did nothing and hoped the civil war in Parthia would weaken both sides. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:51}
5743. C. Merius, was a centurion who in the war against Antony had done outstanding exploits. He was surrounded by surprise by an ambush of his enemies and brought to Alexandria before Antony. He asked what was suitable to be done with him. The centurion replied:
``Order to have my throat cut, for neither can I sufficiently be induced by gifts nor for fear of death, to stop being Caesar's soldier or to start being yours.''
5744. Antony pardoned him for his outstanding character. {Valerius Maximus, l. 3. c. 8.}
5745. Antony and Cleopatra thought it best that their children should be sent ahead to the Red Sea with part of the queen's treasure. {Orosius, l. 6. c. 19.} They placed garrisons in the two corner coasts of Egypt at Pelusium, and Paraetonium and prepared a fleet and forces to start the war again. {Orosius, l. 6. c. 19.} {*Florus, l. 4. c. 21. 1:327}
5746. Antony sent a third embassy to Caesar and his son, Antyllus with much gold. Caesar sent him back again without either granting his embassy or giving any answer. However, he took his gold. Caesar told Cleopatra for the third time the same numerous threats and promises. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:25}
5747. To win over Cleopatra to him, Caesar sent to her Thyreus or Thyrsus who was his freed man and was very discreet. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:25} {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 63. 9:305} Caesar was afraid lest Antony and Cleopatra despair of a pardon and should persist in their intention. They would either defeat him by their own strength or else go into Spain or Gaul or Cleopatra would burn all the treasures that she had stored in her tomb as she had threatened to do. Therefore he sent Thyrsus, who conferred very courteously with Cleopatra and told her that Caesar was in love with her. He hoped that she who had a mind to have all men in love with her, would kill Antony to save herself and her money. {*Dio, l. 50. 6:25}
5748. Caesar marched against Antony through Syria and his lieutenant through Libya. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 64. 9:307} Cornelius Gallus was sent by Caesar ahead of him with four legions of Scarpas, which were at Cyrene to guard that place. They suddenly attacked and captured Paraetonium which is an important city of Egypt near the border of Libya. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:25} {Orosius, l. 6. c. 19.}
5749. When Antony found out about this defeat, he changed his plans of going into Syria to the gladiators. He marched toward Paraetonium and hoped that he would easily draw those forces from Gallus to himself. He knew that they were kindly disposed toward him because they had been soldiers together. If that failed then he would win them by force for he brought with him large naval and land forces. Antony was not even able to talk to these soldiers because Gallus made all the trumpeters to sound so that no one could hear anything. In addition, he received some losses by a sudden sally and his fleet was defeated also. Gallus had at night laid a chain cross the mouth of the harbour which was hidden underwater. He held the port with a guard that was hidden and allowed Antony's ships to boldly sail into the harbour in contempt of him. When the ships were in the harbour, he raised the chains up by certain engines to prevent the ships from leaving. Then he either burnt or sunk the ships which were attacked on every side by sea and land and also from the houses. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:27}
5750. Herod entertained Caesar very royally at Ptolemais, as he journeyed through Syria into Egypt. He showed all hospitality toward his army and gave them plenty of supplies. By this he became one of Caesar's best friends and was accustomed to ride about with him when he mustered his army. Herod also entertained Caesar and his friends with the service of 150 men who were clothed in most rich and sumptuous apparel. He did not allow them to lack anything on their march to Pelusium, although those places were barren and lacked water. Caesar's army lacked neither wine nor water which the soldiers appreciated. He also gave Caesar 800 talents. Indeed, he gave such a good reception they confessed that it was more than the kingdom could afford. {Josephus, Wars, l. 1. c. 15., Antiq. l. 15. c. 10.}
5751. Thyrus (or Thyreas) convinced Cleopatra that Caesar was in love with her. She desired it to be true because she had enslaved in the same way both Caesar's father and Antony. Therefore, she hoped not only for a pardon and the kingdom of Egypt but even the Roman Empire. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:27} Antony took Thyreas who was extremely honoured by her and whipped him soundly and then sent him back to Caesar. He wrote that he did this because he was provoked by his insulting pride. Antony who was easily provoked because of this bad fortune, said:
``If you (Caesar) do not like this, you have Hipparchus, my freed man. Hang him up and whip him then we shall be even.''
5752. To remove all jealousies and suspicions, Cleopatra wonderfully honoured Antony. In the past she had modestly kept her birthday but she celebrated his birthday with the greatest splendour and magnificence that she could. Many were invited to the feast. They came poor and went away rich. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 63. 9:305}
5753. It was reported that Caesar took Pelusium by force, but it was really through the treachery of Cleopatra. {*Dio, l. 51, 6:27,29} There was a common report that this town was given to Caesar by Seleucus with her consent. To clear herself, she turned over Seleucus' wife and children to Antony so he could execute his revenge on them. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 64. 9:307} When he was defeated by Cornelius Gallus at Paraetonium, and immediately after that at Pharos, {Orosius, l. 6. c. 19.} he returned to Alexandria.
5754. Cleopatra had storehouses and monuments built. They were very exquisite and high. These were joined to the temple of Isis and she stored there the most precious things of all her royal treasures, like gold, silver, emeralds, pearls, ebony, ivory, and cinnamon, and last of all great supply of lamps and flax. Thereupon, Caesar was afraid that he would loose such riches and that in despair she would burn them. He daily gave her good hopes while he marched with his army toward the city. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 64. 9:307} She privately forbid the citizens of Alexandria from attacking Caesar when publicly she encouraged them to do battle with him. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:27}
5755. Caesar took up his position near the hippodrome with his army and Antony sallied out and fought valiantly and routed Caesar's cavalry. He drove them even to the camp. He was encouraged by this victory and he entered the palace and kissed Cleopatra, in his armour. He recommended to her a man that had fought most valiantly. Cleopatra rewarded the man with solid gold armour and headpiece. That night after he had received these, he defected to Caesar. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 64. 9:307}
5756. Antony shot messages into Caesar's camp and promised each soldier 1500 drachmas or denarii. Caesar voluntarily read these letters to the soldiers and by this means made Antony more hated. Caesar tried to make them feel ashamed for the suggested treachery and enthusiasm for himself. Thereupon the soldiers became exceedingly angry that their fidelity was tempted and they behaved so valiantly that Antony fought in a battle with only his foot soldiers and was soundly defeated. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:29} Another historian also mentions this: {*Strabo, l. 17. 8:43}
``As one goes through the hippodrome, he comes to Nicopolis, which is a settlement on the sea no smaller than a city. It is about 4 miles from Alexandria. Caesar Augustus honoured this place because here he defeated those in a fight, who made a sally out against him with Antony.''
5757. After this, Antony, through his ambassadors challenged Caesar to a single battle. Caesar replied that Antony had many ways to die. Therefore Antony thought that he could most honourably die by being killed in battle. He determined to attack Caesar by sea and land. At supper (as it is reported) he bid his servants that they should drink and feast themselves heartily for it was uncertain what they should do tomorrow or should serve other masters if he was dead and gone. This made Antony's friends weep. Antony told them he would not lead them out to fight since he sought an honourable death for himself rather than to return with victory and honour. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 65. 9:309}
5758. About the middle of that night when the whole city was quiet and depressed for fear and expectation of what was coming, it was reported that suddenly, there was heard sweet music of all kinds of instruments. There was the sound a large number of people, as at the feasts of Bacchus and satyr-like frisking and dancing, as if indeed it had been the feast of Bacchus himself, (whom Dionysius used to feign his father.) The noise was so loud and that this very large gathering seemed to be located almost in the very middle of the city. It moved toward that gate which led to the enemy outside. They finally passed through this gate and so vanished. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 65. 9:309}
5759. Dio reported that besides this many other prodigies foreshadowed the bondage of Egypt. He said it rained in those places which never had rain before. It was not just water but blood mixed with the drops. This was not the only sign. There were flashes of armour from the clouds as this rain fell. A dragon of an incredible size was suddenly seen among the Egyptians which hissed horribly. There appeared also comets and the ghosts of the dead. The statues seemed to be sorrowful and Apis made a mournful lowing and shed tears. {Dio, l. 51. 6:47,51}
5760. On the first of August as soon as it was day, Antony went down to the harbour to order his fleet. {Orosius, l. 6. c. 19.} However, Cleopatra had caused the fleet to defect from him. {*Dio, l. 51, 6:29} For as soon as Antony's fleet had rowed near the other fleet, they greeted Caesar's soldiers and defected to them. They combined all the ships into one fleet and came to attack the city. While Antony saw this, his cavalry deserted him as did his foot soldiers. He retired into the city and cried that he was betrayed by Cleopatra, for whom he had taken up arms. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 66. 9:309,311}
5761. Cleopatra feared the anger and despair of Antony. She pretended that it was for fear of Caesar she had done this and that she would kill herself. She fled to her tomb with one eunuch and two maids. She sent a message to Antony that she was dead. He believed her and therefore desired his faithful servant Erotes (who had long ago promised that he would kill him if necessity required it,) that he would kill him. Erotes drew out his naked sword as if he would strike him but turned his face from him and killed himself. When he fell at Antony's feet, Antony said:
``Noble Eros, has showed me what must be done by myself, but could not endure to do it for me.''
5762. He stabbed himself in the belly and fell on a bed. The wound did not bring a speedy death for the blood stopped flowing after he laid down. When he was a little recovered, he desired those who stood around that they would thrust him through. They all fled from the chamber and left him crying and writhing in pain. Thereupon there was a great tumult made. When Cleopatra heard this, she looked out from the top of the tomb, for the door was so made that if it was once shut it could not be opened. Only the upper parts of it were not yet finished. She sent also Diomedes, her secretary, to bring Antony into the tomb to her. As soon as Antony knew that she was alive, he arose because he thought he might live. However, he despaired of life because of his excessive bleeding and was carried by the help of his servants to the door of the tomb as he requested. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 66, 67. 9:311,313} {*Dio, l. 51. 6:31} {Livy, l. 133.} {*Florus, l. 4. c. 11. 1:327} {*Velleius Paterculus, l. 2. c. 87. 1:235} {*Strabo, l. 17. 8:47} {Suetonius, in Octavian, c. 17.} {Eutropius, l. 7.} {Orosius, l. 6. c. 19.}
5763. While this was happening, Dercetaeus one of his bodyguards, took Antony's sword and hid it and stole away and ran to Caesar. He was the first one who told him of Antony's death and showed him the sword all bloody. When Caesar heard this news, he withdrew himself into the innermost room of the tent, where he much bewailed Antony as his relative and colleague. He had been his companion in many battles and in the government of the empire. Then he took his letters and he called his friends together and read them to them. He showed them how proudly and rudely Antony had answered to all his mild and just demands. Then he sent Proculeius with orders to take Cleopatra alive if possible. Caesar was afraid to lose her treasure and also thought that she would be a magnificent trophy in his triumph if he could take her alive. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 68. 9:315}
5764. In the interim, Antony was drawn up into the monument by ropes which were hung for pulling the stones up. {*Dio, l. 51, 6:31} They say there was nothing more lamentable than this sight. Antony was all besmeared with blood and almost dead. He was tied to the ropes and drawn up by the great efforts of Cleopatra and the two servants who were with her. Those who underneath him, helped lift him up. Antony stretched out his hands to Cleopatra and lifted himself up as well as he could. As soon as Cleopatra had taken him in, she laid him on a bed. Then she tare off her head piece and beat her breasts and scratched her breasts and face with her own hands. She was all of a gore with blood and called him, "Lord", "Husband" and "Emperor." She almost forgot her own miseries in compassion for him. After Antony had a little appeased her grief, he called for some wine either because he was thirsty or because he thought it would hasten his death. After he had drank it, he advised her to take care of her own affairs and to save her life if she could without dishonour. He said that among all Caesar's friends, she could most trust Proculeius. She should not lament the miserable change of his fortune but rejoice for the great good fortune he had because he had been the most famous and powerful prince of all men. He was a Roman and was not cowardly defeated by a Roman. He died just as Proculeius came from Caesar. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 67. 9:313,315}
5765. Caesar sent C. Proculeius, who was an equestrian and Epaphroditus, his freed man. He told them both what they should say and do. However, Cleopatra feared that they would use her harshly and stayed in the tomb. She thought there was no other way she could procure her safety yet she might redeem her pardon and the kingdom of Egypt from Caesar by his fear of loosing her money. Caesar desired to get her money and to take Cleopatra alive so that he might carry her in triumph. In spite of this, he was unwilling to appear to have tricked her after he gave her a kind of pledge, since he wished to treat her as a captive and to a certain extent subdued against her will. {*Dio, l. 51. 6:33}
The Roman Empire
3974c AM, 4684 JP, 30 BC
5766. Cleopatra would not commit herself into Proculeius' hands. However, she talked with him from the building as he stood on the outside at the door which was on level ground. Although the door was barred, he could hear what she said. In this meeting, she asked the kingdom for her children. Proculeius bid her to be of good cheer and refer all things to Caesar. When he had sufficiently surveyed the place, he told everything to Caesar who sent Gallus again to demand an answer from her. When he came to the door, he kept her talking on purpose. In the meantime, Proculeius set up ladders with two servants and got in at the window where the women took in Antony. He immediately went down to the door where Cleopatra sat talking with Gallus. As soon as she saw Proculeius, she tried to kill herself with a dagger she had on her belt. Proculeius came running and held her with both his hands and took the dagger from her. He shook her cloths for fear she had some poison hidden on her. Thus Plutarch relates the story. {*Plutarch, Antony, c. 69 9:317} Dio relates it like this.
5767. C. Proculeius and Epaphroditus talked with Cleopatra and offered her very tolerable conditions. Suddenly, before she agreed to them, they laid hands on her and removed anything she might use to kill herself with. They allowed her some days so that she might stay there until she had embalmed Antony's body. Then they brought her into the palace and gave her the usual train of servants and honour so that by this she might hope that she would obtain what she desired and not harm herself. {*Dio. l. 51. 6:33} As soon as Cleopatra was taken, an eunuch of hers, willingly put asps on himself and was bitten and fell into a grave which he had previously prepared for himself. {*Dio, l. 51, 6:39,41}