Cleopatra VII

Cleopatra VII

Cleopatra VII Philopator (69 BC – 10 August 30 BC) was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. She was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, a family of Greek origin that ruled Egypt after the death of Alexander the Great during the Hellenistic period. Cleopatra was a descendant of its founder, Ptolemy I Soter, a Macedonian Greek general and companion of Alexander the Great.

Early Life

Cleopatra was born in 69 BC to Ptolemy XII Auletes and an unknown mother, possibly Cleopatra V Tryphaena. She was raised in the opulent and politically charged environment of the Ptolemaic court in Alexandria. Cleopatra was well-educated, being fluent in several languages, including Egyptian, which was unusual for a Ptolemaic ruler.

Reign

Cleopatra initially co-ruled with her father, Ptolemy XII, and later with her brothers, Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator and Ptolemy XIV, whom she married as per Egyptian custom. Her reign was marked by a series of political and military struggles, both internal and external.

Relationship with Julius Caesar

In 48 BC, Cleopatra sought the support of Julius Caesar in her conflict with her brother Ptolemy XIII. Caesar became her ally and lover, and she bore him a son, Ptolemy XV Philopator Philometor Caesar, commonly known as Caesarion. With Caesar's support, Cleopatra regained her throne.

Alliance with Mark Antony

After Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, Cleopatra aligned with Mark Antony, one of the members of the Second Triumvirate. Their relationship was both romantic and political, and they had three children together: Alexander Helios, Cleopatra Selene II, and Ptolemy Philadelphus.

Downfall and Death

Cleopatra's alliance with Antony led to a conflict with Octavian, the future Augustus, who was Caesar's adopted heir. The Battle of Actium in 31 BC was a decisive confrontation that led to the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra's forces. Following their defeat, Antony and Cleopatra retreated to Alexandria.

In August 30 BC, facing capture by Octavian, Cleopatra committed suicide. According to tradition, she allowed an asp (a venomous snake) to bite her. Her death marked the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and the beginning of Roman Egypt.

Legacy

Cleopatra has been depicted in various works of art and literature, often as a figure of romance and intrigue. Her life has inspired numerous plays, films, and books, including William Shakespeare's tragedy Antony and Cleopatra.

See Also

• Ptolemaic Kingdom
• Roman Republic
• Hellenistic period

References

• Grant, Michael. Cleopatra. Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1972.
• Roller, Duane W. Cleopatra: A Biography. Oxford University Press, 2010.

External Links

• Cleopatra VII at Encyclopædia Britannica