How did Octavian use propaganda against Mark Antony and Cleopatra?

Octavian utilized a sophisticated propaganda campaign to undermine Mark Antony and Cleopatra, framing their alliance as a threat to Roman values and sovereignty. By contrasting his own image with theirs, Octavian successfully positioned himself as the defender of Rome.1

Key elements of his strategy included:

• Religious and Cultural Contrast: Octavian promoted himself as the champion of the traditional Roman god Apollo, while depicting Antony as a follower of the foreign, less-Roman god Dionysus.12
• Exploiting Antony’s Will: Octavian seized a document he claimed was Antony’s will from the Vestal Virgins. He used it to reveal that Antony intended to bestow Roman territories upon Cleopatra and her children and wished to be buried in Alexandria, fueling rumors that Antony planned to move the capital of the empire to Egypt.32
• Framing the Conflict: Octavian fomented public outrage over Antony’s "Donations of Alexandria," where Antony recognized Caesarion as the son of Julius Caesar, directly challenging Octavian’s own legitimacy as Caesar’s heir.13
• Strategic Declaration of War: After Antony divorced Octavia, Octavian declared war not against a fellow Roman, but specifically against Cleopatra, effectively painting Antony as a traitor under the influence of a foreign queen.12