Great Love Affairs That Changed the Course of History, Part One

After Julius Caesar’s murder in 44 BCE, Rome fell into civil war, a situation temporarily resolved by the formation of the second Roman Triumvirate comprised of Octavian (Caesar’s great-nephew and designated heir), Lepidus (a Roman statesman), and Mark Antony, who upon assuming administration of Rome’s eastern provinces, summoned Cleopatra to Tarsus in Asia Minor to answer charges of aiding his enemies. Intending to seduce Antony as she had Caesar, Cleopatra arrived on a magnificent river barge dressed as Venus, the Roman God of Love. Instantly smitten, Antony followed Cleopatra back to Alexandria, pledging to protect her life as well as Egypt.  Read more . . .