Mark Antony and Cleopatra

Our imaginations tend to go to stories of forbidden romances and star-crossed lovers when we think about epic love stories. There is one narrative, though, that sticks out for its enormous scope—the stakes involved as much as the love. It's the tale of passion, politics, and a good deal of drama about Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Ever wonder what it would be like to fall in love with someone so completely that you would jeopardize your entire empire? Reader, buckle up—this story has more curveballs than a chariot race.

The last reigning Ptolemaic monarch of Egypt, Cleopatra VII, was an incredibly charismatic and intelligent woman. Though her beauty is renowned, people were really enthralled with her charm and wit. Imagine coming into a room and having everyone glance at you for the sheer force of your presence as much as your appearance. People responded to Cleopatra in that way, none more so than Rome's most formidable general, Mark Antony.

There is political unrest when the Cleopatra and Mark Antony narrative opens. The assassination of Cleopatra's lover and ally Julius Caesar had left Rome with a political vacuum. Comes Mark Antony, a devoted friend of Caesar and a major player in the subsequent power battle. Constantly the strategist, Cleopatra recognized a chance. She was aware that standing behind Antony would guarantee her kingship and keep the Romans out of Egypt. But what was first a political partnership swiftly became one of the most well-known love stories in history.

Assume this: We are in the year 41 BC. Sending for Cleopatra, Antony, stationed at Tarsus, demands her appearance. But never one to be called, Cleopatra arrives in style. Dressed as the goddess Aphrodite, she reclines beneath a canopy as she floats up the Cydnus River on a barge decked out in purple and gold. It smells strongly like roses and incense. Having commanded armies and faced down adversaries before, Antony is utterly awestruck. Has somebody ever had you so enthralled with them that everything else seems to disappear? That is the authority Cleopatra possessed.

History would be altered by the romance that their meeting ignited. Cleopatra found in Antony a partner with whom she might share both love and power, and Antony was enthralled with her intelligence and charm. In the annals of epic love stories, maybe, rather than in paradise, they were a match made in. They were a powerful couple together, their marriage combining politics and passion. They did not, however, have an easy love.

Antony and Cleopatra were creating quite a sensation back in Rome. By now he was wed to Octavia, his political opponent Octavian's sister. Has there ever been an incredibly awkward collision between your personal and work lives? Antony was headed for conflict between his obligation to Rome and his passion for Cleopatra.

There was obvious stress and big stakes. Declaring war on Cleopatra, Octavian was trying to strengthen his hold on power. One crucial milestone was the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. The armies of Antony and Cleopatra squared up against Octavian's navy. Can you imagine the strain of knowing that you are responsible for the destiny of an empire and that the person you love is standing next to you, equally vulnerable?

Their side lost the war. Their hopes of a common empire in ruins, and were Antony and Cleopatra returned to Egypt. Their time was running out, they realized as Octavian's army closed in. Tragically, incorrect information that Cleopatra had perished caused Antony to fall on his sword. He was brought to Cleopatra and died in her arms after being critically injured. Heartbroken and stubborn, Cleopatra decided to terminate her life rather than be shown off as a prize in Octavian's victory.

An age ended with their deaths. Octavian, later Augustus, became the first Roman Emperor when Egypt was annexed by Rome after Cleopatra's death. Reminiscent of the potent interaction between passion and politics is the love story of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. It challenges us to think about the costs we will bear to defend those we love and the compromises we are prepared to make for love.

I am struck, as I think back on the tale of Cleopatra and Antony, by how close their relationship was. Ever questioned whether you would have the guts to stand up to the world for the person you love? Their story is evidence of the timeless power of love, which can propel us to incredible heights and, occasionally, to our demise.

As magnificent as the empires Cleopatra and Antony ruled, their love ultimately surpassed them. Their influence endures in the ageless story of a love that overcomes all obstacles as well as in history books. May you therefore find motivation in the historic romance between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, dear reader. Love, after all, is about the hardships we face and the sacrifices we make as much as the happy times. I hope your own love tales are as strong and passionate as mine is, if maybe a little less terrible. Until next time.