Abstract
The paper begins with a synopsis of the life and history of Cleopatra VII. It then goes on to explain how Marc Antony's relationship with the Queen of Egypt was the main cause of the Battle of Actium. The increasing tension between Marc Antony and Octavian is studied and the course of the Battle of Actium is followed, showing how Cleopatra acted as a catalyst for the commencement of the battle.

From the Paper
"In the history of Egypt, Cleopatra VII was considered as the "Last Pharaoh" of Egypt, particularly, the last descendant of the Ptolemaic rule. Cleopatra's life history is a series of numerous alliances and relationships with different men, although one of the most prominent men who got involved with Cleopatra is Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, all Roman rulers during the reign of the Roman Empire. In Egyptian history, there have been several queens named Cleopatra, although the seventh queen, who was Cleopatra VII, was the only one who became "influential" and "famous" (Tour-Egypt Monthly 1996). Known as Cleopatra VII Tryphaena, Cleopatra was the daughter of Ptolemy XIII Auletes, reigning King of Egypt during the year 51 BC. Cleopatra's father left a will, which states that Cleopatra was to be the heiress to her father's kingdom, and the heir will be Ptolemy XIV, Cleopatra's younger brother."

Tags:life, history, reign, Egypt, Roman, empire, Marc, Antony, Octavian, cause, queen

Abstract
Throughout "Antony and Cleopatra" by William Shakespeare there is a sharp contrast between the bawdy humor and entertainment of the east and the stern morality and politics of the west. The paper shows that this is best seen in Antony's downfall; his death is caused by a romantic but illogical attempt at conquering Rome. Alsom the battle of Actium shows the decadent Egypt destroyed and the sensible Rome victorious. The paper shows that in Rome, Antony was at his best as a man, a soldier and a statesmen, whereas, as Antony says, "in the East my pleasure lies," as does his downfall.

From the Paper
"Charmian: "My arm is sore. Best play with Mardian.
Cleopatra: As well a women with a Eunuch played as with a woman."

This short exchange presents Egypt as a place of sexual innuendo and entertainment. Such conversations never take place in Rome, and this shows the more impertinent nature of Egypt. There is also a contrast in the treatment of tragic events between Egypt and Rome. In Rome, they are taken very seriously (for example the military aggression of Pompei), but in Egypt they are often given a comic undertone, for example when Cleopatra is speaking to Antony about the death of his wife, Fulvia. At a point of sadness and tragedy, Cleopatra remarks "Can Fulvia really die?" The word die has a secondary meaning in Elizabethan English, to reach sexual climax. Shakespeare illustrates the more irreverent nature of Egyptian life by treating such a tragic issue with bawdy humor."

Tags:Octavius, Caesar, eunuch, actium

Abstract
This paper examines Augustus' reasons behind the reform of the Roman army from a number of perspectives from the traditional political and military to the social impact of military reforms and the changes in military career patterns.

From the Paper
"One of the most visible reforms of the Roman Army carried out by Augustus' occurred immediately after his victory at Actium in 31BC. 'At the time of the battle of Actium the opponents appear to have commanded more than 60 legions between them,' a massive amount of manpower never previously mobilised. Following Octavian's victory this number was reduced considerably, 'after Actium Augustus seems to have picked 28 legions out of the fifty odd at his disposal, disbanding the rest.' Scullard describes 'the first task of Augustus was to reduce the swollen forces, of over sixty legions, that were under arms at the end of the civil war, and retain what he regarded as the necessary minimum.' Why the number of legions was so drastically reduced is linked to two interconnected factors, simple necessity and finance. "

Tags:imperial, military, actium, empire