Mark Antony

Serves as Caesar's most trusted general during the civil war. Commands the left wing at Pharsalus, where Caesar defeats Pompey. While Caesar chases Pompey to Egypt, Antony governs Italy. He's in charge of Rome at 35. He's also developing a reputation for extravagance and debauchery that will follow him for life.

Caesar is stabbed 23 times in the Senate. Antony is supposed to be in the room but is detained outside by one of the conspirators. He seizes the initiative at Caesar's funeral, delivering the speech that turns the crowd against the assassins. Whether it sounds anything like Shakespeare's version is unknowable.

Meets Cleopatra at Tarsus. She arrives on a golden barge with purple sails, dressed as Aphrodite. He's already married to Octavian's sister. He and Cleopatra have three children. He gives her Roman provinces as gifts. Octavian uses this as propaganda: Antony has gone native. He's no longer Roman.

The Battle of Actium. Octavian's fleet defeats Antony and Cleopatra off the western coast of Greece. Cleopatra's ships flee mid-battle. Antony follows her. He abandons his fleet and his army. It's the end. Octavian pursues them to Egypt.

Stabs himself with his own sword in Alexandria after hearing a false report that Cleopatra is dead. He's carried to her, still alive, and dies in her arms. He is 53. Cleopatra kills herself days later. Octavian becomes Augustus, the first Roman emperor. The Republic is over.