33. Study Questions Copy

Although generally popular in Italy, Octavian had failed to limit the scope of power of Sextus Pompeius in the Mediterranean, and Octavian’s granting of lands to Caesar’s veterans had disgruntled those who had lost land because of this. Lucius Antonius, Antony’s brother, and Antony’s wife, Fulvia, attempted to stir up this discontent to overthrow Octavian. It is unclear whether Antony knew about this plot or not.

Octavian successfully put down the rebellion. Lucius was spared. Fulvia fled to meet with Antony but died on the way. To deal with the aftermath, Antony had to return to Italy. It also demonstrated the rising tensions between Antony and Octavian.

The Treaty of Brundisium divided the empire between the three triumvirs: Antony had the East, Octavian the West and Lepidus had Africa (very much the inferior partner of the three). To seal the deal, Antony was to marry the sister of Octavian, Octavia.

It was problematic for Cleopatra as she had just given birth to twins by Antony (Alexander and Cleopatra) and this would inevitably give rise to tensions between Octavian and Antony. Offense given to Octavia would be an insult to Octavian.