Cleopatra VII: Biography of a Legendary Queen

Cleopatra: A Biography (Women in Antiquity)

by Duane W. Roller

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2363 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	251 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Cleopatra VII Philopator was the last pharaoh of Egypt, reigning from 51 to 30 BC. She was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, a line of Greek rulers who descended from Alexander the Great. Cleopatra VII was a charismatic and powerful ruler, and she played a major role in the history of Egypt and the Roman Empire.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Cleopatra VII was born in 69 BC in Alexandria, Egypt. She was the daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes, the pharaoh of Egypt, and Cleopatra V Tryphaena. Cleopatra VII was raised in a royal household and received an excellent education. She was fluent in several languages, including Greek, Egyptian, and Latin.

In 51 BC, Ptolemy XII died and Cleopatra VII became pharaoh. She was only 18 years old at the time. Cleopatra VII co-ruled with her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, but she was the dominant partner in the relationship. Cleopatra VII was a skilled politician and she quickly consolidated her power. She made alliances with powerful Roman leaders, including Julius Caesar.

Cleopatra VII and Julius Caesar

In 48 BC, Julius Caesar arrived in Egypt as part of his campaign against Pompey. Cleopatra VII saw an opportunity to ally herself with Caesar and she presented herself to him as a gift. Caesar was immediately smitten with Cleopatra VII and the two began a passionate love affair. Cleopatra VII became Caesar's lover and political ally. She helped him to defeat Pompey and she secured her own position as pharaoh.

In 47 BC, Cleopatra VII gave birth to Caesar's son, Ptolemy XV Caesarion. Caesarion was Caesar's only legitimate son and he was considered to be the heir to the Roman Empire. Cleopatra VII and Caesarion lived together in Alexandria for several years. However, in 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated in Rome.

Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony

After Caesar's death, Cleopatra VII allied herself with Mark Antony, one of Caesar's generals. Antony and Cleopatra VII became lovers and they had three children together. Antony and Cleopatra VII formed a political alliance and they ruled Egypt together.

In 31 BC, Antony and Cleopatra VII were defeated by Octavian, Caesar's adopted son, in the Battle of Actium. Antony and Cleopatra VII fled to Alexandria, where they were besieged by Octavian's forces. In 30 BC, Antony and Cleopatra VII committed suicide.

Cleopatra VII's Legacy

Cleopatra VII was a remarkable woman who lived a fascinating life. She was a powerful ruler, a skilled politician, and a brilliant strategist. Cleopatra VII was also a patron of the arts and she was responsible for the construction of many magnificent buildings in Egypt.

Cleopatra VII's legacy is complex and controversial. She is often portrayed as a femme fatale, a seductive woman who used her beauty and charm to manipulate men. However, Cleopatra VII was more than just a beautiful woman. She was a highly intelligent and capable ruler who played a major role in the history of Egypt and the Roman Empire.

Cleopatra VII is one of the most famous women in history. She has been the subject of countless books, movies, and television shows. Cleopatra VII continues to fascinate us today because she represents the power and allure of ancient Egypt.

Cleopatra VII was a legendary queen who left a lasting legacy on the world. She was a powerful ruler, a skilled politician, and a brilliant strategist. Cleopatra VII was also a patron of the arts and she was responsible for the construction of many magnificent buildings in Egypt. Cleopatra VII's life was full of drama and intrigue, and she continues to fascinate us today.

Cleopatra: A Biography (Women in Antiquity)

by Duane W. Roller

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2363 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	251 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE