Mark Antony and Octavian

• Octavian wanted access to Caesar’s treasury but Antony declined because he thought it would be used to pay off his own debts
• Octavian had Caesar’s name behind him so all of Caesar’s soldiers supported Octavian
• Senate was afraid of Antony’s ambitions so they supported Octavian (who would have been easy to manipulate)
• Because of this Antony left Rome to Gaul where he attacked the current governor (Decimus Brutus). Octavian was sent with Roman army to support Brutus and Antony was defeated (in battle of Mutina) and retreated further into Gaul
• both consuls died during battle so Octavian became consul in August 43BC
• Octavian, Antony and Lepidus created Second Triumvirate

  agreement which gave the 3 men power over all others including senate and consul

  power for 5 yrs

  beneficial for Antony who was about to have no power