Though the republic had been overthrown, it remained to be
seen who would be master of the new empire, Antony or Octavian. The triumvirate
lasted for more than ten years, but during this period the incompetent Lepidus
was set aside by his stronger colleagues. The two remaining members then
divided between them the Roman world. Octavian took Italy and the West; Antony
took the East, with Alexandria as his capital.
OCTAVIAN IN THE WEST
In the western half of the empire Octavian ruled quietly
and with success. Men were already congratulating themselves on the return of
peace under a second Caesar. In a few years Octavian, from an obscure boy of
eighteen, had grown to be one of the most powerful personalities of his age.
ANTONY IN THE EAST
In the eastern half of the empire things did not go so
well. Antony was clever, but fond of luxury and vice. He had married a sister
of Octavian, but he soon grew tired of her and put her away for the fascinating
Cleopatra. The Roman world was startled by tidings that she had been
proclaimed "queen of kings," and that to her and her sons had been
given the richest provinces in the East. It was even rumored that Cleopatra,
having enslaved Antony with her charms, planned to be enthroned as queen at
Rome.
