Antony and Cleopatra

Antony and Cleopatra
One of the most famous love stories by William Shakespeare, the love saga of Antony and Cleopatra is a truly a fable of worshipping your beloved. Antony and Cleopatra epitomize that love is another name for sacrifice. Their love story is among the most tragic ones, where both the lovers die instead of living 'happily ever after'. 'Antony and Cleopatra' is among the most popular plays by Shakespeare. Enmeshed in the spirit of undying love, the tragic love story of Antony and Cleopatra is an example for all the modern lovers. It teaches them about selflessness in love and giving the ultimate sacrifice for a loved one.

Love Story Of Antony And Cleopatra
One of the most famous women in history, Cleopatra VII was the brilliant and beautiful last Pharaoh of Egypt. She was proficient in nine languages and a skilled mathematician. She is often considered to be a stunning seductress though she was studying to be a nun. She became the mistress of the famous emperor Julius Caesar. After he was slain, she saw his best friend Marc Antony, one of the rulers of the Roman Empire, and fell in love almost instantly. Their love affair progresses, but Antony returns to Rome on being informed that his wife is dead, and the pirates are raising an army to rebel against the triumvirate. Pricked by a sense of duty, he feels compelled to share his part of responsibility for the Roman Empire.

Back in Rome, Antony is forced to marry Octavia, while his heart still rests with Cleopatra. When Cleopatra gets to know about Antony's marriage to Octavia, she is enraged in the beginning. However, as soon as she learns that Octavia is plain and not as beautiful as Cleopatra herself is, she feels secure and confident of winning back Antony once again. After settling for a truce with pirates, Antony returns to Egypt and crowns himself and Cleopatra as the rulers of Egypt. He is angry with the other triumvirs for not giving him a fair share of Roman Empire. He raises an army to fight against Octavia's brother, Octavius Caesar, one of the triumvirs.

Enraged by Antony's treatment of his sister, Octavius also prepares for the battle. The battle begins at the sea and Cleopatra pledges to assist Antony with her fleets. Cleopatra, however, leaves Antony in the middle of the battle and flees with her ships. Antony goes after her leaving his army without a commander. However, their differences are soon resolved and Antony pledges to fight another battle for Cleopatra, this time on land. Fighting all the adversities and despite all the threats, Anthony and Cleopatra married in 36 BC. While fighting a battle in Actium, Antony got false news of Cleopatra's death. Shattered, he fell on his sword. When Cleopatra learned about Antony's death, she was shocked and committed suicide by getting herself bitten by a poisonous snake.