Cleopatra
Cleopatra VII Philopator
Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, reigning from 51 BC until her death in 30 BC. A member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, she was a descendant of its founder Ptolemy I Soter, a Macedonian Greek general and companion of Alexander the Great. Although she reigned over Egypt, Cleopatra was a member of the Macedonian Greek family that ruled Egypt after Alexander's conquest. Her name, Cleopatra, means "glory of the father" in Greek, a nod to her dynastic heritage.
Early Life and Ascension to Power
Cleopatra was born in either 70 or 69 BC, and she was the daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes. Following his death, Cleopatra initially co-ruled with her brother Ptolemy XIII, whom she later opposed due to political rivalry. This conflict drew Roman attention and intervention, most notably by Julius Caesar.
Relationship with Julius Caesar
Cleopatra's relationship with Julius Caesar began when she sought his support in her dispute with Ptolemy XIII. She famously entered Alexandria, reportedly hidden in a rolled carpet, to meet Caesar. Her charm, political acumen, and alleged romantic involvement with Caesar secured her position as Pharaoh. Their liaison resulted in the birth of a son, Ptolemy XV Philopator Philometor Caesar, often called Caesarion.
Cleopatra is also noted for joining Caesar on a cruise of the Nile River, which is often considered a romanticized tale reflecting Roman interests in Egyptian culture.
Alliance with Mark Antony
Following Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, Cleopatra aligned with Mark Antony. Their political and romantic alliance was cemented during their meeting at Tarsus, and they later had three children together. Their union was famously dramatized by William Shakespeare in the play "Antony and Cleopatra".
Antony's marriage to Cleopatra put him at odds with Octavian, Caesar's adopted heir, which ultimately led to the Final War of the Roman Republic. The decisive Battle of Actium in 31 BC marked the downfall of Antony and Cleopatra's forces.
Death and Legacy
Cleopatra's death on 10 or 12 August 30 BC is a pivotal moment in both Egyptian and Roman history. According to the most widely accepted narrative, she committed suicide by allowing an asp (Egyptian cobra) to bite her. With her death, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire under the rule of Octavian, later known as Emperor Augustus.
Cleopatra's legacy endures in various forms of art and literature. Her image has been romanticized and vilified through the ages, from ancient Roman busts and coinage to modern films like the 1963 movie "Cleopatra" starring Elizabeth Taylor. Her life has inspired countless works, making her one of the most enduring figures of antiquity.