Antony was born in Egypt, served in the Roman army in Gaul under Caesar, and was elected tribune in Rome as Caesar's representative. He supported Caesar in the civil war with Pompey.

Antony was consul when Caesar was murdered. He made a powerful speech at Caesar's funeral and led an army to fight Brutus.

He endeavored to succeed to power, but was defeated by Octavianus, the great-nephew of the dictator, and was obliged to cross the Alps. In 43 he became reconciled to Octavianus; Antony, Octavianus, and Lepidus divided the government between them under the title of Triumvirs. Cicero, who had attacked Antony in his Philippic orations, now fell a victim to Antony.

After assuming control of the eastern part of the empire he went to Egypt and became Cleopatra's lover, and assumed the pomp and ceremony of an Eastern despot.

The alliance with Cleopatra angered his supporters in Rome and Ocatavian declared war on Cleopatra.

The fleet and army of Antony and Cleopatra were defeated and they committed suicide. Ocatvian later became Emperor of Rome, as Augustus.