Women in History - Cleopatra

Cleopatra was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. She is one of the greatest political and romantic figures in history. She called herself the daughter of the Egyptian Sun God Ra, and became the ruler of Egypt along with her younger brother in 51 BC, at a time when Egypt was facing great hardship. Roman propaganda painted Cleopatra as a debauched temptress who used her sex appeal as a political weapon, but she may have been more renowned for her intellect than her appearance. She spoke as many as a dozen languages and was educated in mathematics, philosophy, oratory and astronomy, and Egyptian sources later described her as a ruler “who elevated the ranks of scholars and enjoyed their company.”

Cleopatra herself had many enemies who succeeded in driving her out of the country. They then seized power in the name of her younger brother, who was also the ruler. However, Cleopatra was not to be dismissed so lightly. She sought the help of Rome’s greatest general Julius Caesar, and he helped her to get back her throne.

After Caesar’s death, one of his loyal generals, Mark Antony become her husband. Mark Antony divorced his Roman wife to marry Cleopatra, and this greatly angered the Romans. Julius Caesar’s nephew, Octavius Caesar, declared war on Egypt, and defeated Mark Antony, who committed suicide.

Cleopatra too chose to die, rather than be taken a prisoner of Rome. She died of snakebite, but became immortal for the beauty, charm, and charisma she had.