War of Propaganda

Mark Antony’s marriage to Cleopatra greatly angered Octavian (Augustus) as Mark was still married to Octavian’s sister Octavia. Mark Antony’s wrongful public claim that Caesarion was the true heir to Caesar instead of Octavian, also angered him. In a heated war of propaganda between them that would last for years, litany of gossip and accusations were made against Cleopatra that have shaped popular perceptions about her. Among other things, she was accused of brainwashing Mark Antony with witchcraft and sorcery.