Woman of Rome

One of my strongest characters in both Antonius: Son of Rome and Antonius: Second in Command is Marc Antony's Mom--Julia Antonia. Julia had a full life and is mentioned several times in Plutarch's writings. In fact, she is described as one of the "most nobly born and admirable women of her time". 

Interestingly enough, she may have suffered with the same tendency to fall "deeply in love", as her son. Perhaps that's where he inherited that propensity--one that probably hurt him in the long run. Julia remarried after Marcus Antonius Creticus, her first husband, died in shame. However, the man she remarried became involved in the troublesome Catiline conspiracy, and Cicero, lifelong foe of the Antonii, had Lentulus executed. (For details on that drama, read Antonius: Son of Rome.)

In Antonius: Second in Command, Julia continues to be vocal regarding Marcus's weaknesses, often reminding him of what he should and shouldn't do. He is his own worst enemy in a lot of situations. But she also shows her courage, grit and grace, when it comes to defending her own. And at last, she'll see her son come into power, as he steps forth into Rome's political scene.

In a lot of ways, Julia Antonia is the penultimate "Roman matron", showing that women DID exercise influence in political affairs, their men's personal lives, and in the life of her most influential son, even if it was behind closed doors. Granted, Antony doesn't always heed her advice, but as he steps out of the shadows and into imperium--the term for power and prominence, it is women like Julia who champion him and stand up for their family. 

Another woman who held sway over some political incidences in my upcoming book, Antonius: Second in Command, was Fulvia, Marc Antony's third wife. She heralded the pathway for other women like Antonia Minora (Marc Antony's youngest daughter), Livia, Messalina, Agrippina, and other women in the Imperial age, who were truly commanding in their own regard, both good and bad.

Julia Antonia holds a special place in my novels. She's actually one of my favorite characters. I pity her in the fact that she had to deal with "Marcus" as a teenager... not an easy task! And I grieved with her; in her weakness for Lentulus in Son of Rome. I cheer her on in the adventures she'll have in both Second in Command and my third book--yet unnamed. She is a woman of her time--a woman raised traditionally-- who faced changing times, a dying government, and learned to embrace the power her son wielded with courage, wisdom, and tenacity.

I hope you enjoy her character as much as I have.


Now... who wants to win a book??? 

All you have to do is three things: 1) Subscribe to my website, here at https://www.brookallenauthor.com/  2) Go to Brook Allen's Facebook site, and "like" it. 3) Share that post.

That's ALL! You'll be automatically entered to win one of five, signed books. You even get to CHOOSE which book: Antonius: Son of Rome OR Antonius: Second in Command.

I will announce the winners on my website and on Facebook on Thursday, October 31st! 

A grand painting by Vincenzo Camuccini, showing noblewomen surrendering their jewelry for the "benefit" of the state, a piece of legislature that briefly comes into effect in my upcoming novel, Antonius: Second in Command.