Cleopatra
Cleopatra VII was the last of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which ruled Egypt from 305 BCE to 30 BCE. She is best known for her relationship with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony in Rome, and for her reign as Queen of Egypt during a time when it was one of the most powerful nations in the world. During this period, she built many monuments, including temples, libraries and palaces, that are still standing today. Her legacy lives on through both ancient texts written about her by Roman historians such as Plutarch and Strabo, as well as popular culture such as movies like "Cleopatra" starring Elizabeth Taylor.
As queen of Egypt, Cleopatra sought to strengthen ties between Egypt and Rome while maintaining Egyptian sovereignty over its own affairs. In 48 BC, she joined forces with Julius Caesar against Pompey's faction during the civil war in Rome; after his victory at Pharsalus, they became lovers until he returned to Italy, where he met his death shortly thereafter. Afterward, Cleopatra formed an alliance with Mark Antony, who had been appointed triumvir by Octavian (the future Augustus). Their love affair lasted nearly 10 years before their defeat at Actium sealed their fate - although legend tells us that following their joint suicide in Alexandria, they were buried together near present-day Cairo according to custom for royalty then reigning.
Today we can look back upon Cleopatra's life story not only for its historical significance but also for what it says about human relationships.