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Reign of Cleopatra: The Greenwood Guides to Historic Events of the Ancient World

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Reign of Cleopatra, The (Greenwood Guides to Historic Events of the Ancient World)

by Eleanor Herman

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2878 KB
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Print length	:	216 pages
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A Bust Of Cleopatra VII, The Last Pharaoh Of Egypt, With Her Signature Elaborate Headdress And Jewelry Reign Of Cleopatra The (Greenwood Guides To Historic Events Of The Ancient World)

Cleopatra VII, the last pharaoh of Egypt, has captured the imagination of historians, artists, and the general public for centuries. Her beauty, intelligence, and political acumen have made her one of the most well-known and enigmatic figures of ancient history.

This comprehensive guide to Cleopatra's reign will explore her early life, her rise to power, her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and her eventual defeat by Octavian. We will also examine her legacy as a powerful and influential figure in ancient history.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Cleopatra was born in 69 BC in Alexandria, Egypt. She was the daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes, a weak and ineffectual ruler. Cleopatra's early life was marked by political instability and violence. Her father was overthrown by his own people in 58 BC, and Cleopatra and her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, were forced to flee to Rome.

In 55 BC, Cleopatra returned to Egypt with the help of Julius Caesar. Caesar was immediately smitten with Cleopatra's beauty and intelligence, and the two began a passionate love affair. With Caesar's support, Cleopatra was able to seize the throne of Egypt from her brother.

Cleopatra and Julius Caesar

Cleopatra and Julius Caesar's relationship was a complex one. Caesar was married to another woman, but he was deeply in love with Cleopatra. Cleopatra, for her part, was ambitious and saw Caesar as a way to secure her power in Egypt.

The two had a son together, Caesarion, in 47 BC. Caesarion was considered Caesar's legitimate heir, and his birth made Cleopatra the most powerful woman in the Roman Empire.

However, Caesar's reign was cut short when he was assassinated in 44 BC. Cleopatra was devastated by his death, and she feared for her own life.

Cleopatra and Mark Antony

After Caesar's death, Cleopatra allied herself with Mark Antony, one of Caesar's generals. Antony was a powerful and ambitious man, and he saw Cleopatra as a way to gain control of the Roman Empire.

Cleopatra and Antony had a passionate relationship, and they had three children together. However, their relationship was also marked by political intrigue and power struggles.

In 31 BC, Octavian, Caesar's adopted son, declared war on Antony and Cleopatra. The Battle of Actium, fought in 31 BC, was a decisive victory for Octavian. Antony and Cleopatra fled to Egypt, where they were eventually defeated.

Cleopatra's Death

After her defeat by Octavian, Cleopatra returned to Alexandria and took refuge in the tomb of her ancestors. Octavian demanded that she surrender, but Cleopatra refused. She preferred to die a free queen than live as a captive.

On August 12, 30 BC, Cleopatra died at the age of 39. There are many different theories about how she died, but the most likely explanation is that she was bitten by an asp, a venomous snake.

Cleopatra's Legacy

Cleopatra's death marked the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the beginning of Roman rule in Egypt. However, her legacy lived on. She was a powerful and influential figure in ancient history, and her story continues to fascinate and inspire people today.

Cleopatra has been the subject of countless books, movies, and television shows. She has also been depicted in art and literature for centuries. Her image has become synonymous with beauty, power, and intrigue.

Cleopatra VII was one of the most fascinating and influential figures of ancient history. Her beauty, intelligence, and political acumen made her a powerful ruler and a legend in her own time. Her story continues to inspire and captivate people today, and she remains one of the most iconic women of all time.

Reign of Cleopatra, The (Greenwood Guides to Historic Events of the Ancient World)

by Eleanor Herman

4.4 out of 5