The representation of gold aurei seems to have been more limited - coins are only known naming the praetorian guards and eight legions, though over time more are likely to turn up. His silver denarii bear the name of one of his 23 regular legions or two specialized units (the praetorian cohorts and the cohort of speculatores). It is so-named because of its advertisement of large military units, called legions. Though Antony produced a variety of coin types from 44 to 31 B.C., the legionary type is by far his most common and most familiar. With Cleopatra’s death, Egypt fell into Roman hands, bringing to an end three centuries of Greek rule in Egypt.
Cleopatra did the same, but not before she met with Octavian and determined that he was unwilling to negotiate. Cleopatra returned directly to Egypt, whereas Antony tried (and failed) to raise more troops before joining her.īefore Octavian came to Egypt in pursuit, Antony committed suicide. Once it became clear that Octavian and Agrippa would triumph on that day, Antony and Cleopatra broke through the naval blockade with a portion of their fleets. 2, 31 B.C., and involved both naval and land forces. Meanwhile, Octavian had long maintained a partnership with Marcus Agrippa, one of Rome’s most gifted generals, whose tactical skills and loyalty allowed Octavian to triumph against all odds. In the years prior to the battle, Antony had joined forces with Cleopatra VII, the Greek queen of Egypt, who considered that alliance the best option for saving her kingdom. Their final battlefield was at the port city of Actium, on the western coast of Greece. Antony had assumed command in the east of the Mediterranean, and Octavian in the west. By 32 B.C., however, they had tired of their fair-weather alliance and were sworn enemies.
When neither made headway, they became unwilling allies. Not only do tens of thousands survive, but they are of great historical importance and have an iconic design that is familiar even to those who know little about ancient coins.Īfter Julius Caesar was murdered in 44 B.C., his two leading supporters, Marc Antony and Octavian (Augustus), clashed. The “legionary denarii” of Marc Antony are among the most recognizable and collectible of all ancient coins.
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