Antonio-Dioniso versus Octaviano-Apolo: propaganda y contrapropaganda en torno a los ritos dionisíacos

Abstract

The article analyzes, on the one hand, the relationship between Antony and Dionysus and, on the other hand, Octavian and Apollo. Both triumvirs sought to reinforce their power by using religion. Special attention to the identification of Antony as Neo Dionysus in the east after the battle of Philippi is given. It is argued that one consequence of this propaganda act was to link Apollo to Octavian and Sextus Pompey to Neptune.

In parallel, the accusations that writers on both sides prepared for propaganda purposes, with the ultimate goal to denigrate the opponent leader are discussed. Antonio link whit Dionysus and the wine ended up hurting the figure of the defeated triumvir, which has transcended in history as a dipsomaniac.