Octavia
Sister of Octavian
Second wife of Mark Antony
died 11 BC
Octavia was the sister of Octavian ( Augustus) born the daughter of Gaius Octavius and Atia, daughter of Caesar’s sister, Julia. At a rather young age, Octavia was married to the Consul Gaius Marcellus in 50 BC. Octavia bore three children in this marriage – two daughters and a son named Marcellus, who was eventually married to Octavian’s daughter Julia.
Julius Caesar considered having Octavia divorce and remarry Pompey the Great, but eventually that political marriage took place with Caesar’s daughter Julia. Octavia’s husband died sometime around 40 BC.
Octavia was once again considered for a political marriage, but this time by her brother Octavian (Augustus) to his partner in the Second Triumvirate – Marc Antony. Octavia became the second wife of Mark Antony in 40 BC following the death of Julius Caesar. Her marriage to Mark Antony was purely based upon politics. Octavia bore Marc Antony two daughters, the two Antonias. The younger Antonia married Nero Claudius Drusus, brother of Tiberius and give birth to the future Emperor Claudius. The elder Antonia, although overshadowed by her younger sister, married to L. Domitius Ahenobarbus which resulted in the birth of C. Domitius Ahenobarbus who in turn was the father of the future Emperor Nero.
Of course the story of Mark Antony falling madly in love with Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, was obviously the break of this political bond. Octavia was eventually repudiated by Mark Antony in 32 BC. Nonetheless, Octavia, remained greatly respected and loved by the people of Rome, who felt that she had been wronged by Antony’s affair with Cleopatra. Following Antony’s defeat and eventual death, Octavia did remain loyal to his memory. She also continued to care for all of his children including those from his previous wife Fulvia and of Cleopatra. Octavia lived as a Roman matron. She was very much aggrieved by the premature death of her son Marcellus in 23 BC. Eventually, Octavia died in 11 BC.
Monetary System
Cistophorus of Mark Antony & Octavia
Mints: Rome
DENOMINATIONS
AU Aureus – with Mark Antony (6.54 grams)
AR Cistophorus – with Mark Antony
Æ Sesterius – with Mark Antony
Æ Tripondius
Æ Dupondius
Æ As
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