Since the assassination of Julius Caesar, the Roman republic has been ruled by the triumvirate of Octavius, Lepidus and Antony. Antony, however, has been neglecting his political and military responsibilities – and his wife in Rome – as he dallies in Alexandria with Cleopatra, queen of Egypt. After his wife dies, Antony returns to Rome to help Octavius deal with a challenge from the rebel Pompey – and also agrees to marry Octaviuss sister. But as Cleopatras lure proves too powerful for Antony to resist, the ancient world is engulfed in a war that will cost many lives and spell the doom of the republic itself.