Octavia, sister of the emperor Augustus and wife of Mark Antony, died in 11 B. C. She was married to Claudius Marcellus, from whom Julius Cresar was anxious to have her divorced, that she might marry Pompey; but the latter declined, and she continued to live quietly with her husband until his death in 41 B. C. The alliance between Octavius and Antony was now strengthened by the marriage of Octavia to the latter. She accompanied her husband, on his eastern expedition, and by her mediation effected a reconciliation between him and her brother in 37. Antony, now undertaking an expedition against the Parthians, fell again under the influence of Cleopatra; and when in 35 Octavia went to the East with reinforcements of men and money, he accepted the aid, but refused to meet her. On her arrival home she would not take any part against her husband, but remained at his house and educated his children; yet in 32 Antony sent her a bill of divorce. After his death she brought up his children by Fulvia, and even those by Cleopatra. Octavia had five children, three by Marcellus and two daughters by Antony; from the two latter were descended the emperors Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. She was possessed of great accomplishments, and was universally considered the superior of Cleopatra in beauty.