Caesar’s master of the horse

Abstract Antony’s role in the campaign against Pompey, including his part in the battle of Pharsalus, is reviewed. Close attention is given to his appointment as magister equituum and the unusual circumstances under which he governed Rome and Italy. Further topics include: Caesar’s conduct of the Alexandrian War and his liaison with Cleopatra, which extended his absence from Italy and reposed greater responsibility on Antony’s administration; confiscation of the properties of Caesar’s enemies; the debt and credit crisis afflicting Rome and Italy; the tribunate of Cornelius Dolabella and his reforms aimed at correcting the debt crisis; the political clash between Antony and Dolabella; Antony’s response to the mutiny of Caesar’s veterans in central Italy; Dolabella’s alleged adultery with Antonia; Antony’s divorce of Antonia and his marriage to Fulvia; Antony’s extensive debts and his exertions in restructuring his finances; the possibility (here rejected) that Antony fell out of favour with Caesar; Antony’s appointment as consul-designate for 44.