Cleopatra is one of the most famous historical figures of all time, but unfortunately, there are only a handful of facts we know for sure about her life and experience as co-regent and dominant ruler of Egypt. There is endless mythology that surrounds this figure regarding her rule, her relationships with Caesar and Antony, and her death.

The story of Cleopatra is an essential chapter in the history of Egypt as well as a fascinating tale of love, betrayal, war, and power.

What do we know for sure about Cleopatra and what is just a myth?

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

Who Was Cleopatra?

Cleopatra VII was a ruler of ancient Egypt. At different times, she was co-regent with her father, brothers, and son.

She ruled for nearly 30 years and was a part of a Macedonian dynasty of rulers that can be traced back to Ptolemy. Ptolemy had acted as a general during the conquering of Egypt in 332 B.C. by Alexander the Great.

Cleopatra was extremely highly-educated and known to be quite clever. In all of her co-regencies, she was the primary party in control. She also could speak an impressive number of languages.

She has become one of the most mythologized figures in world history due to the legend of her seductive powers, her exotic good looks, and her military alliances and fascinating relationships with both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

The Early Life of Cleopatra

There is a lot that historians don’t know about Cleopatra’s life because there are no accounts that exist contemporaneous to her life. The bulk of what we do know about the experience of Cleopatra is sourced from the work of Plutarch and other Greco-Roman academics.

The daughter of Ptolemy XII (Auletes), Cleopatra was born either in 70 or 69 B.C. Ptolemy was descended from one of the great generals of Alexander the Great, Ptolemy I Soter, who was also the founder of the Egyptian Ptolemaic line.

It is thought that Cleopatra’s mother was Cleopatra V Tryphaena, who might have been the half-sister of the king. The throne of Egypt was passed to Cleopatra when she was 18 along with her brother when Auletes died of apparently natural causes.

The advisors of her brother Ptolemy XIII acted against Cleopatra soon after they gained control of Egypt. She was therefore forced to run to Syria in 49 B.C. where she built a mercenary army. The next year, she brought her newly raised army back to Egypt in order to confront her brother’s army in a civil war.

Around the same time, Ptolemy welcomed Julius Caesar to Alexandria. This was after allowing the murder of Pompey who was a Roman general and Caesar’s rival.

Cleopatra and Caesar

Cleopatra reportedly snuck into the palace in order to meet with Caesar and convince him to join her cause.

Caesar had an angle of his own in that he was in need of funds so he could regain the control he had in Rome. He was hoping to receive these funds from Egypt, which had debts that had been built up by Auletes.

The forces of Ptolemy and Caesar clashed for four months before reinforcements arrived from Rome. At this time, Ptolemy fled Alexandria. The story goes that he ended up drowning in the Nile River.

Caesar was quite unpopular when he conquered Alexandria. He then handed the throne to Cleopatra and her 13-year-old brother named Ptolemy XIV. Somewhere in the vicinity of 47 B.C., Cleopatra gave birth to a child who was thought to be the son of Caesar, Ptolemy Caesar. The people who lived in Egypt referred to the child as Caesarion, which means Little Caesar.

Caesar eventually returned to Rome, and Cleopatra and her brother traveled there to visit him in 46 or 45 B.C. In March of 44 B.C., Julius Caesar was famously murdered and Cleopatra returned to Egypt.

Her younger brother Ptolemy XIV was also killed around this time. It is thought that Cleopatra’s agents might have been responsible. At this time, her three-year-old son was given the title of co-regent and given the title Ptolemy XV.

Cleopatra strongly identified with the Egyptian goddess known as Isis. It was traditional in ancient Egypt to associate royalty with divine characters.

Cleopatra and Mark Antony

After Caesar’s death and the death of both of her brothers, Cleopatra had the strongest level of control in Egypt yet. However, there was trouble in Egypt with hunger and inflation resulting from the Nile flooding and crop failures.

At the same time, there was a conflict raging within Rome between the assassins of Caesar and his allies. Both sides of this fight wanted the support of Egypt, and Cleopatra eventually chose to send some Roman legions that had been positioned in Egypt in order to support his allies.

The triumvirate, led by Mark Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus, was triumphant in 42 B.C. in the battles of Philippi. Power in Rome was then divided between Octavian and Mark Antony.

Cleopatra was soon summoned by Mark Antony to Tarsus in Sicily in order to discuss her role in the events that unfolded after Caesar was assassinated. Plutarch told the story with Cleopatra dolled up to look like Isis and sailing to Tarsus in a grand and elaborate ship. The famous tale goes that Mark Antony was totally taken by the beauty and charm of the Egyptian ruler.

Antony promised to protect both Cleopatra’s crown and Egypt. He also agreed to support removing Cleopatra’s rival and younger sister, Arsinoe. Shortly after Cleopatra went back to Egypt, Mark Antony followed, leaving his wife and kids in Rome.

The cold months of 41 and 40 B.C. was spent by Antony in Alexandria. At this time, Cleopatra and Antony created an infamous drinking club that was named “The Inimitable Livers.” After Antony returned to Rome, twins by the name of Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene were born to Cleopatra.

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A Struggle for Power

Mark Antony was forced to engage in a diplomatic marriage with the half-sister of Octavian after Fulvia grew very sick and passed away. This was necessary in order to prove just how loyal he was to Octavian. In the meanwhile, Egypt was growing wealthy under the rule of Cleopatra.

Antony met with Cleopatra again in 37 B.C. in order to help fund his war against Parthia. As a part of the deal, much of Egypt’s eastern empire was returned to Cleopatra. During this time, they became lovers once again and a son was born by the name of Ptolemy Philadelphos.

Mark Antony was defeated in a rather humiliating fashion in Parthia. As a result, he chose to return to Egypt rather than accept Octavia’s efforts to join him again. At www.d3home.com you’ll find one of the best furniture stores in california. During the “Donations of Alexandria,” Mark Antony made the declaration that the rightful heir of Caesar was Caesarion rather than Octavian.

At this time, he gifted land to each of the children he had with Cleopatra. Octavian was furious and a propaganda war began between them. The Roman Senate eventually took all of Antony’s titles away from him in 32 B.C., and Octavian officially set his sights on war against Cleopatra.

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How Did Cleopatra Die?

The forces of Cleopatra and Antony were soundly defeated in the Battle of Actium on September 2, 31 B.C. The ships of Cleopatra hurried off to Egypt after abandoning the battle and Antony was able to follow behind with a handful of ships.

Octavian’s forces were attacking Alexandria and a rumor started circulating that Cleopatra had taken her own life. Antony heard this rumor, too, and fell on his own sword. Right as word came that this rumor hadn’t been true, Antony died.

Cleopatra buried Mark Antony and later met with Octavian on August 12, 30 B.C. With two or her female servants, she went into her chamber. It is not known precisely how she died, but Plutarch and other historians have claimed that she used a poisonous snake called the asp to commit suicide.

The asp was a symbol of royalty and divinity. When Cleopatra died, she was 39.

The body of Cleopatra ended up being buried with Antony’s. This left Octavian to celebrate the consolidation of his control in Rome and his conquest of Egypt. Octavian would later be named Emperor Augustus I.

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Mythology Surrounding Cleopatra

Because there are no writings from the time of Cleopatra that describe her life, there are a lot of pieces of information that simply cannot be known for sure. Because of her intellect, beauty, power, and fascinating relationship with Roman rulers, Cleopatra has become a character that is mythologized in world history.

One point of confusion that is common is the idea that Cleopatra was Egyptian. Though she was born in Egypt and ruled Egypt, her family origins were traced back to Macedonian Greece. Interior design consultation experts of cpp kitchen & bath in cape cod can help you start any project. That being said, Cleopatra was the first member of her line to learn the language of Egypt and she embraced many of the ancient customs of Egypt.

While a part of the story of Cleopatra heavily focuses on her sex appeal and good looks, it’s unclear whether she was actually notably physically beautiful or if it was actually her charm, speaking voice, and intellect that made her so persuasive and compelling.

Another Cleopatra story that historians can’t always agree on whether it’s myth or truth is that of how Cleopatra died. The famous story goes that Cleopatra killed herself with a snake bite to the arm via an asp. Even Plutarch admitted, however, that no one knows exactly what happened in the room where Cleopatra died.

Plutarch does note that the Egyptian ruler was known to hide poison in one of her hair combs, and another historian by the name of Strabo thought that a fatal ointment might have been used to facilitate her death. Many contemporary scholars now believe that Cleopatra used a pin that had been dipped in snake venom or some other type of potent toxin.

There have been countless stories, plays, and films made about Cleopatra, ranging greatly on the scale of myth to fact. However, the most famous portrayal of Cleopatra in the movies was by Elizabeth Taylor in the Cleopatra of 1963. This was actually one of the most expensive movies ever made, costing a remarkable $44 million.

Is It Time to Visit Egypt and Immerse Yourself in the Land of Cleopatra?

There are a lot of good reasons why visiting Egypt should be on your bucket list. As one of the most fascinating and oldest civilizations in the world, a trip to Egypt allows you to step back in time to an incredible ancient world. Of course, there is also the Nile, the relationship with Egypt and the Bible, gorgeous beaches, and so much more.

The land of Cleopatra is one that is rich in history, natural beauty, ancient civilization, and myth. If you have always found yourself fascinated by the story of this Nile Queen, consider making the trip to this ancient and incredible land.

Is it finally time for you to visit the Land of the Nile? If so, contact us today to learn more information about Egypt Life Tours.