Antony and Cleopatra: Jane Draycott (31/30 BCE)
Dr Jane Draycott, author of Cleopatra’s Daughter: Egyptian Princess, Roman Prisoner, African Queen
This week the Roman historian and archaeologist Dr Jane Draycott takes us to meet one of history’s most glamorous and infamous couples, Antony and Cleopatra.
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We join them in a crucial year in the history of Ancient Rome, around 31/30 BCE, when the Roman republic finally 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 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.
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Show notes
Scene 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/Social
Presenter: Artemis Irvine
Guest: Jane Draycott
Production: Maria Nolan
Podcast partner: Ace Cultural Tours
Theme music: ‘Love Token’ from the album ‘This Is Us’ By Slava and Leonard Grigoryan
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About Jane Draycott
Jane Draycott is a Roman historian and archaeologist with a special interest in Graeco-Roman Egypt. She has degrees in archaeology, ancient history and classics, has worked in academic institutions in the UK and Italy, and excavated sites ranging from Bronze Age villages to First World War trenches across Europe. She has written academic books and articles on a range of subjects related to ancient history and archaeology. Jane is currently Lecturer in Ancient History at the University of Glasgow, and co-director of the University's Games and Gaming Lab.
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