Cleopatra, whose life inspired a Shakespeare play and several films, has been immortalized through art, music, and literature for centuries due to her beauty as well as her emotional bond with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
The life of Cleopatra, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty, is among the most curious topics about Ancient Egypt.
Cleopatra VII, known as Cleopatra, was a member of the Ptolemaic Dynasty in Ancient Egypt that took over following the death of Julius Caesar. The queen, who formed political alliances during her reign, established emotional bonds with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
Among the most popular rulers of antiquity, the story of Cleopatra inspired William Shakespeare's play Antony and Cleopatra and a 1963 feature film starring Elizabeth Taylor.
Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator was born in Alexandria, Egypt, around 69 BC. Cleopatra's father was King Ptolemy XII. Little is known about Cleopatra's mother, but some speculation suggests that she may have been Cleopatra V. Tryphaena.
Cleopatra VII was Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC, and its last active ruler. 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. After the death of Cleopatra, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire, marking the end of the last Hellenistic-period state in the Mediterranean and of the age that had lasted since the reign of Alexander (336–323 BC). Her first language was Koine Greek and she is the only known Ptolemaic ruler to learn the Egyptian language.
Alexander the Great, who ruled the Macedonian Dynasty, was a Macedonian king who conquered Egypt in 332 BC and built the city of Alexandria. The Ptolemaic Dynasty was founded following the death of Alexander the Great. Ptolemy, one of Alexander's generals, declared himself king of Egypt. Cleopatra's childhood was spent in Alexandria.
Cleopatra Life
In 51 BC King Ptolemy XII died. As a result, the throne was left to 18-year-old Cleopatra and her 10-year-old brother Ptolemy XIII. Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator was more dominant on the throne than her brother.
The Greeks who were rulers in Egypt at that time did not want to interfere with Egyptian society. For this reason, they were starting to marry people from their own lineage. Therefore, it is thought that Cleopatra may have married her brother Ptolemy XIII.
The previous rulers of the Ptolemaic dynasty spoke only Greek and refused to learn Egyptian. Cleopatra felt the need to learn and speak the Egyptian language. The Queen learned several languages throughout her childhood, including Ethiopian and Latin.
Cleopatra, the last true pharaoh of Egypt, also carried out various studies in the fields of mathematics, philosophy, and astronomy. Cleopatra, who started wearing traditional Egyptian clothes, ruled in Ancient Egypt between 51-31 BC.
After Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XII ascended to the throne, some problems arose between them. As a result, Cleopatra was exiled.
Cleopatra, a very intelligent ruler, used her knowledge for power. After She was forcibly dethroned and exiled, She formed very strong alliances. Seeking the support of Rome, Cleopatra contributed to the development of the Egyptian economy by establishing commercial relations with many countries.
Rome was facing a civil war between Pompey and Caesar. Pompey took refuge in Alexandria, Egypt, but was killed after a while on the orders of Ptolemy. In 48 BC, Julius Caesar pursued his rival Pompey to Alexandria.
Caesar met Cleopatra in Alexandria and fell in love with her. Cleopatra now had sufficient military power to dethrone her brother and consolidate her control over Egypt as sole ruler. Ptolemy XIII, who did not want to give up the throne, besieged Caesar's palace but was defeated by Caesar's army.
Caesar then made Cleopatra's younger brother, Ptolemy XIV, co-ruler. Cleopatra, who was the ruler at that time, was also restored to the throne. Cleopatra had a child named Caesarion with Caesar in 47 BC.
Following the murder of Julius Caesar in 44 BC and 41 BC, an emotional bond was formed between Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Antony fell in love with Cleopatra. Cleopatra and Antony had twins named Alexander and Cleopatra. In 36 BC, the couple had another child named Ptolemy Philadelphos.
Roman commander Antony was struggling to seize power after Caesar's death. Just like Caesar, Antony was involved in a war to gain control of Rome. Antony, who led Rome's eastern provinces, saw in Cleopatra his chance for material and military support to secure his own rule over the empire.
Cleopatra and Antony united their armies to defeat Octavian in a fierce naval battle at Actium on the west coast of Greece in 31 BC, but the expected result of the war was not achieved. This battle was a costly defeat for the Egyptians.
The duo had to flee after the defeat. Cleopatra hid in a monument she built on the palace grounds. She soon spread a rumor that she had killed herself. Antony, who was horrified to hear the news, attempted to kill himself with his own sword but survived long enough to learn that Cleopatra was still alive.
Historian Cassius Dio stated that when Antony learned that Cleopatra was alive, he stood up as if he had the strength to live. Antony, who lost a lot of blood and thought he would not survive for this reason, asked those around him to carry him to the monument. Antony, who was taken to the monument, died in Cleopatra's arms.
It is said that Cleopatra committed suicide by getting herself bitten by a cobra snake, but according to recently shared information, she ended her life with an easily made poison. It is claimed that this poison kills in just a few hours without causing any pain. Cleopatra was 39 years old when she died.
Cleopatra, who died in 30 BC, was buried next to Antony. Egypt was incorporated into the Roman Empire following Cleopatra's death.