Table of Contents
An introduction
Growing up
Rulers of Egypt
Motivation
This is an introduction.
Cleopatra VII ruled Egypt for a long time and was well-known for her wit, originality, and intelligence. Many people consider her to be the most influential female political figure in history. She has been portrayed in numerous films. People around the globe are fascinated by the ascension and struggle of a female ruler to maintain her throne. Her ruthlessness is also admired. Cleopatra was probably the first female politician to dominate.
ChildhoodCleopatra’s parents were Ptolemy XII and Cleopatra VI Tryphaena. She was a 69 B.C. woman. She had many siblings, including a younger and older brother. Cleopatra was born to a father who ruined Egypt’s finances by owing Rome a lot of money. He was then banished from the country. Cleopatra, Cleopatra IV’s older sibling, was appointed queen of Egypt. Her father however, beheaded Berenice in order to gain the throne. Her father died 51 B.C. She ascended to Egypt’s throne in co-regency with her brother Ptolemy XIII.
Cleopatra, who was just ten years old at the time, was forced to leave Egypt and go to Syria by Ptolemy XIII’s advisors. This happened in 49 B.C. In Syria, Cleopatra gathered a mercenary army to fight against the Syrians. Julius Caesar was also in Alexandria. Cleopatra realised that he was the only person who could help Cleopatra regain her throne. She was, however, not allowed in Egypt. Cleopatra devised an escape – she had her servant wrap her up in a rug and deliver her to Caesar. Cleopatra showed her cunning at this crucial moment. She joined forces and defeated Ptolemy’s army.
Ruler in EgyptCleopatra and Caesar had a child named Caesarion. After Caesar’s death, 44 B.C., Caesarion became her coregent. Cleopatra finally had her throne and was able rule Egypt. Cleopatra spoke Egyptian and was multilingual, despite her Macedonian Greek heritage. She appealed her subjects as well by immersing in Egyptian sculptures and paintings. Her subjects developed deep patriotism. Cleopatra lived in luxury and declared herself to be the reincarnation Isis, goddess of regality, children, and royalty. Sadly, the Nile floods and the crops die. Cleopatra seduced Mark Antony in order to convince him to protect Egypt’s throne. Mark Antony restored Egypt’s authority and gave his children the land that Cleopatra had given him. Antony’s son Octavian grew angry at Antony and declared a war.
Octavian defeated Cleopatra’s and Antony’s forces, causing Antony to take his own life. Cleopatra did the same, but she chose to die by poisonous asps instead of a sword. The asp represents royalty and Amen Re, the Egyptian Sun God.
InspirationCleopatra is a leader who was born to be a monarch. Her love of the crown and her desire for prosperity in her country was her top priority. She was ruthless. Not only did she kill her sister, but she also took her own life. She made two alliances with Antony to boost Egypt’s power. They had three children together before they even got married. Cleopatra committed many horrible crimes, but she also gave her all to Egypt.
