Death

CS 2840A: The Deaths of Antony and Cleopatra

Royal Decree

• Date: February 23, 33 BCE

• Content: Publius Canidius ginesthoi ('let it be done')

Ancient Document

• Discovery: Found at a gravesite near Cairo in 1904.

• Description: 2,000-year-old papyrus outlining a royal ordinance from Cleopatra’s administration.

• Terms: Allowed duty-free export of wheat from Egypt in exchange for wine imports.

• Beneficiary: Publius Canidius, an aide to Mark Antony, was the primary beneficiary.

• Signature: Scribble believed to be written by Cleopatra herself.

Cleopatra's Poisons and Death

• Poison Trials: Plutarch claims Cleopatra tested various poisons.

• Asp Discussion: Questions arise about the truth regarding the asp.

Historical Context

• Octavian’s Campaign: Landed at Pelusium late July 30 BCE; Alexandria capitulated early August 30 BCE.

Death of Antony

• Circumstances:

  • Bacchic procession out of Alexandria.

  • Naval and cavalry desertion leading Antony to blame Cleopatra.

  • Cleopatra’s retreat to her funerary monument near a Temple of Isis, leading Antony to believe she was dead.

• Final Moments: Cleopatra took Antony into the monument; he died in her arms.

• Aftermath: Questions about whether Antony was cremated or embalmed and if Cleopatra had an agreement with Octavian involving Antony's death.

Death of Cleopatra

• Octavian’s Concerns: Worried she would commit suicide, potentially setting fire to her treasures.

• Suicide Attempts:

  • First: Attempted with a knife.

  • Second: Through starvation.

• Interview with Octavian: Includes excuses and possible seduction attempts that failed.

• Final Actions:

  • Visit to Antony’s tomb; engages in personal care routines before her death.

  • Received a basket of figs, possibly containing the asp she used.

How Did Cleopatra Die?

• Theories:

  1. Asp hidden inside a basket of figs.

  2. Asp in a vessel that Cleopatra provoked.

  3. Poisoned hair comb.

• Discrepancies: No typical reactions to poison found on the body.

• Expert Involvement: Octavian summoned African snake charmers (Psylli) for investigations, raising questions about the type of snake used.

Cultural Representation

• Cleopatra Mythology: Her cunning and the romanticized perceptions surrounding her death.

• Recurrences of Themes: First literary mention of a bite coming from a Latin author in the 5th century CE.

Consequences of Her Death

• Roman Social Ideology: Discussion around reasons for Cleopatra’s suicide; Octavian arranged a royal funeral for her.

• Cult Followings:

  • Personal funerary cult lasting until 393 CE.

  • Cult involving her association with the deity Isis.

Possible Chronology of Events

• Capture of Alexandria & Death of Antony: August 1.

• Burial of Antony: August 2 or August 3.

• Cleopatra’s Illness and Hunger Strike: August 3-8.

• Octavian’s Interview: August 8.

• Visit to Antony’s Tomb & Her Death: August 10 (or 12).

• Death of Cleopatra: August 10 (or 12).

Cleopatra’s Legacy

• Mausoleum: Context around its location and significance; potential excavation troubles.

• Children:

  • Caesarion was executed.

  • M. Antonius Antyllus executed August 23, 30 BCE.

  • Remaining children were treated well by Octavian, with Cleopatra Selene marrying Juba II.

Influence on Egyptomania

• Transition: Beginning of Egyptomania in Western history post-Cleopatra’s reign.

Artwork and Cultural Artifacts**

• Third Style Wall Painting: 15 BCE - 30/40 CE, with stylistic features and decorative themes.

• Statuary and Artifacts: Reference to various Roman-era artifacts including cups and statuettes depicting Nilotic scenes.