Cleopatra VII Of Egypt

Who do you picture when you imagine Cleopatra? Some may see a beautiful, powerful, and alluring pharaoh, the last in a dynasty of Macedonian rulers founded by Ptolemy. Others may see a sex-crazed, attention-hogging harlot who would have slept with anyone for power. The truth is, Cleopatra VII of Egypt was a popular, charming leader, although many people do not realize this because they are imagining her through Roman eyes. Roman propaganda painted her as a crazy, seductive queen who wanted too much power—something women were not allowed to have. Cleopatra was intelligent, dynamic, and influential, and she wanted what was best for her country. Cleopatra VII was born around 69 BC, and she became a co-regent of Egypt with her brother Ptolemy XIII after the death of her father Ptolemy XII when she was 18. Cleopatra married her brother and

In exchange, Antony returned much of Eastern Egypt, including Cyprus, Crete, Cyrenaica, Jericho, and parts of Syria and Lebanon. Cleopatra gave birth to another one of his sons, Ptolemy Philadelphos, in 36 BC. Antony was defeated at Parthia, and then he left his wife Octavia (Octavian’s sister) to go back to Egypt. At the public celebration known as “Donations of Alexandria” in 34 BC, Antony declared Caesarion as Caesar’s son and heir. This angered Octavian because he was Caesar’s adopted son. In 32 BC, the Roman Senate stripped Antony of his titles, and Octavian declared war on Cleopatra. On September 2, 31 BC, Antony and Cleopatra were defeated in the Battle of Actium by Octavian’s forces. Antony heard a (false) rumor that Cleopatra had died, so he fell on his sword in despair. On August 12, 30 BC, Cleopatra locked herself in her chamber after burying Antony. It is not known for sure exactly how she died, but Plutarch and other writers claim that she used an asp (poisonous snake) to commit