Athens to Alexandria

Abstract This chapter reviews the details of Antony’s reorganization of Rome’s eastern empire and his extraction of taxes and tribute in order to compensate the veterans in Italy. Topics include: Antony’s reception in Athens, including honours underlining his descent from Heracles; Antony’s sacred honours in eastern cities, with an emphasis on Ephesus and its invocation of Antony as Dionysus; the role of divine honours and ceremonies as expressions of power and esteem in Hellenistic-style politics and diplomacy; Antony’s financial exactions in the east and the role of the publicani in furnishing immediate funds for Italy; the new political arrangements imposed by Antony on the cities and principalities of the eastern Mediterranean; Antony’s alleged affair with Glaphyra; Antony’s philhellenism; Antony’s involvement in the politics of Judea, including his support of Herod; Antony’s interview with Cleopatra at Tarsus; Antony’s invasion of Palmyra; Antony’s winter in Alexandria with Cleopatra.