Jane Draycott: Antony and Cleopatra (31/30 BCE)

This week the Roman historian and archaeologist Jane Draycott takes us to meet one of history’s most glamorous and infamous couples, Antony and Cleopatra. We join them in a crucial year in the history of Ancient Rome, around 31/30 BCE, when the Roman republic fell away and Octavian – later Emperor Augustus – seized power and founded the Roman Empire, with disastrous consequences for Antony, Cleopatra and their children.This dramatic piece of history forms the origin story of Cleopatra Selene, Antony and Cleopatra’s only daughter and the subject of Jane’s fascinating new book, Cleopatra’s Daughter: Egyptian Princess, Roman Prisoner, African Queen. In this episode we explore the years leading up to the Battle of Actium as well as the battle itself and Antony and Cleopatra’s subsequent suicides. We unravel the truth behind some of the most famous stories about the couple, and explore the nature of female political power in the ancient world.    Show notesScene One: 2nd September 31 BCE. The Battle of Actium.Scene Two: 1st August 30 BCE. Octavian captures Alexandria and the suicide of Mark Antony. Scene Three: 10th August 30 BCE. The suicide of Cleopatra. Momento: Cleopatra’s long-lost mausoleum.   People/SocialPresenter: Artemis IrvineGuest: Jane DraycottProduction: Maria NolanPodcast partner: Ace Cultural ToursTheme music: ‘Love Token’ from the album ‘This Is Us’ By Slava and Leonard GrigoryanFollow us on Twitter: @tttpodcast_Or on FacebookSee where 31/30 BCE fits on our Timeline

Om Podcasten

In each episode we ask a leading historian, novelist or public figure the tantalising question, "If you could travel back through time, which year would you visit?" Once they have made their choice, then they guide us through that year in three telling scenes. We have visited Pompeii in 79AD, Jerusalem in 1187, the Tower of London in 1483, Colonial America in 1776, 10 Downing Street in 1940 and the Moon in 1969. Chosen as one of the Evening Standard's Best History Podcasts of 2020. Presented weekly by Sunday Times bestselling writer Peter Moore, award-winning historian Violet Moller and Artemis Irvine.