Cleopatra

Cleopatra VII Philopator, also known as Cleopatra or Kleopatra was the Last Pharaoh of Egypt. Cleopatra forged alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, shaping the fate of both Egypt and the Roman Republic. Cleopatra's story was marked by imperial ambitions, political turmoil, and a tragic end at the Battle of Actium. A symbol of beauty, intellect, and power.

### Other Name's

* Kleopatra
* Cleopatra VII Philopator

# Propaganda

Cleopatra was/is subject to various myths, exaggerations, and propaganda throughout the centuries, often influenced by the political agendas of her contemporaries and later historical narratives.

Cleopatra is often portrayed as an exceptionally beautiful and seductive woman. This image has been perpetuated by various works of art, literature, and Hollywood films. Cleopatra was not a Goddess of beauty, beauty standards are subjective, and debatable, Cleopatra was a Mediterranean Greco-Egyptian Female, her DNA was not divine.

The popular notion that Cleopatra bathed in milk to maintain her beauty is also a propaganda lie. While ancient Egyptians did value personal hygiene, the idea that Cleopatra regularly bathed in milk is not even practical.

Firstly, the practicality of such a beauty regimen becomes apparent when considering the sheer quantity of milk required for each bath. Cleopatra was a queen accustomed to luxury, and the myth implies a daily indulgence in a milk bath. However, the actual logistics of obtaining and maintaining a sufficient quantity of milk for such regular use would have been daunting.

To estimate the magnitude of this purported beauty ritual, one must consider the volume of milk needed for a single bath, Cleopatra's bathing frequency, and the number of baths over an extended period. The amount of milk required to fill a bathing chamber, assuming such extravagance, would have been substantial. Additionally, the challenge arises when considering the procurement and transportation of the milk.

Moreover, contemplating the number of cows necessary to produce the required amount of milk for Cleopatra's supposed daily ritual unveils the implausibility of this myth. Ancient Egypt would have needed an extensive and dedicated bovine population to sustain such a practice. The logistical challenge of maintaining and feeding a substantial number of cows for this purpose would have strained the resources of the time.

The notion that Cleopatra bathed in milk may have originated from misunderstandings or exaggerations fueled by the romanticization of her image.

Cleopatra's court has been depicted as an epitome of luxury and extravagance, with tales of opulent banquets and lavish living. While the Ptolemaic rulers were certainly wealthy, Cleopatra faced economic challenges during her reign, and her opulence might have been exaggerated by political rivals seeking to tarnish her image.

Cleopatra's romantic relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony have often been sensationalized, casting her as a cunning seductress who used her charms to manipulate powerful men. This portrayal oversimplifies her political alliances and diminishes her role as a capable ruler in her own right.

The narrative of Cleopatra as a tragic queen, driven to suicide after the defeat at the Battle of Actium, contributes to the image of a romanticized, doomed love affair. This narrative often downplays her political agency and the complex geopolitical factors that led to the end of the Ptolemaic Egypt.

# Early Life

Cleopatra VII Philopator was born in the year 69 BCE on Alexandria, she was the offspring of Ptolemy XII Auletes. Cleopatra received the finest education available. Cleopatra's studies took her to Library of Alexandria, where she delved into a wide range of subjects under the guidance of esteemed tutors. Her education included exposure to various philosophical and religious schools of thought, she encountered diverse spiritual ideologies, blended with the worship of the goddess Isis. She delved into esoteric magical knowledge, rituals, and paganism. Cleopatra became convinced that she was chosen by Isis to play a pivotal role in the fate of Egypt.

Cleopatra believed that her actions were guided by the divine, shaping her decisions as a ruler and contributing to the aura of mystique that surrounded her reign.

In 58 BCE the Romans annexed Cyprus and on accusations of piracy drove Ptolemy of Cyprus, Ptolemy XII's brother, to commit suicide instead of enduring exile to Paphos. Ptolemy XII remained publicly silent on the death of his brother, Ptolemy XII was then exiled from Egypt by force, traveling first to Rhodes, then Athens, and finally the villa of triumvir Pompey in the Alban Hills, near Praeneste, Italy.

Ptolemy XII spent nearly a year there on the outskirts of Rome, accompanied by his daughter Cleopatra, then 11 years old. When the Roman Senate denied Ptolemy XII the offer of an armed escort and provisions for a return to Egypt, he decided to leave Rome in late 57 BCE and reside at the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus.

The Roman financiers of Ptolemy XII remained determined to restore him to power. Pompey persuaded Aulus Gabinius, the Roman governor of Syria, to invade Egypt and restore Ptolemy XII, offering him 10,000 talents for the proposed mission.

Gabinius invaded Egypt in the spring of 55 BCE, Mark Antony was under Gabinius's command. Cleopatra, then 14 years old traveled with the Roman expedition into Egypt with Antony that had fallen in love with her at this time.

After the the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BCE. Ptolemy XII had Berenice IV and her wealthy supporters executed, seizing their properties. Within a year Ptolemy XII created a will designating Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII as his joint heirs, oversaw major construction projects such as the Temple of Edfu and a temple at Dendera, and stabilized the economy.

On 31 May 52 BCE, Cleopatra was made a regent of Ptolemy XII, as indicated by an inscription in the Temple of Hathor at Dendera.

# Queen Cleopatra

After Ptolemy XII's death Cleopatra's reign began, her first act as pharaoh involved a journey to Hermonthis, near Thebes, to install a sacred Buchis bull—an intermediary for the god Montu in Ancient Egyptian beliefs. Cleopatra confronted immediate challenges, including famine from drought and Nile flooding issues. The Gabiniani, former Roman soldiers left unemployed in Egypt, contributed to lawlessness.

Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus, proconsul of Syria, sent his sons to Egypt to negotiate with the Gabiniani, but they were tortured and murdered. Cleopatra, attempting to bring the culprits to justice, faced criticism from Bibulus, aligning with Pompey in Caesar's Civil War. Despite probable marriage to her brother Ptolemy XIII, Cleopatra rejected him as co-ruler by August 29, 51 BCE. Sibling marriage, a Ptolemaic tradition, was met with disdain by Greeks, but it became accepted by Cleopatra's reign.

Ptolemy XIII, supported by allies like Potheinos, maintained influence. Cleopatra briefly allied with Ptolemy XIV but faced opposition from figures like Achillas and Theodotus of Chios. Ptolemy XIII gained the upper hand, signing documents before Cleopatra and establishing his regnal date in 49 BCE.

Cleopatra deftly navigated the intricate webs of palace politics. To consolidate her power, she sought alliances with influential figures within the military and administrative spheres, securing support that secured her position as the rightful ruler of Egypt.

Cleopatra became a patron of the arts, sciences, and literature, attracting scholars from various corners of the ancient world. The Library of Alexandria flourished under her sponsorship, solidifying her reputation as a monarch with a deep appreciation for knowledge.

Cleopatra openly supported the Order of Isis, she played a role as a daughter of isis in both her personal life and the cultural ambiance of her court.

# Julius Caesar

In 48 BCE, Cleopatra's fate became intricately woven into the tapestry of Rome's destiny with the arrival of Julius Caesar in Alexandria. The meeting between Cleopatra and Caesar not only marked the initiation of a profound connection but also forged a pivotal political alliance that would significantly impact the Roman Republic.

Cleopatra, buoyed by the support of Julius Caesar, returned to Egypt. In the ensuing conflict, Ptolemy XIII was defeated, establishing Cleopatra as the unquestionable ruler. This victory not only solidified her position on the Egyptian throne but also marked the inception of a deep romantic and political alliance between Cleopatra and Julius Caesar.

The culmination of their relationship occurred in 47 BCE when Cleopatra gave birth to Julius Caesar's son, named Ptolemy XV Philopator Philometor Caesar, commonly known as Caesarion. This event further cemented the intricate ties between Cleopatra and Caesar, shaping the course of their shared history and leaving a lasting impact on the unfolding drama of the Roman Republic.

# Magical Threat

Cleopatra, intrigued by whispers of a immortal woman who had forged a pact with a djinn, Cleopatra issued an extraordinary decree that reverberated through the corridors of Egypt. Sensing the latent threat posed by the djinn's formidable power, she orchestrated the gathering of all lamps, whether in the bustling trade markets or nestled within the sacred sanctuaries of temples. She commanded her loyal servants to scrutinize each lamp, and if a djinn indeed lurked within, they were to invoke a wish for its freedom.

This decree, born from Cleopatra's astute mind, was a calculated move to preemptively secure her realm from potential chaos. Having ascended to the throne through battles waged since the age of 11, Cleopatra understood the intricate dance of power all too well. The threat posed by the lamps, struck a chord of urgency in her seasoned heart.

Summoning the djinn of the revered Temple of Bastet, Cleopatra sought to restore Tariqah's mortality, however, the djinn's response resonated with a somber reality – immortality, once granted, could not be taken back.

Undeterred by the weight of this revelation, Cleopatra selflessly wished for the djinn's freedom. She perceived the confinement of such potent power as an implicit threat, one that, if mishandled, could unleash unimaginable chaos upon her kingdom.

Cleopatra's calculated actions, served as a formidable safeguard against any contenders who might challenge her rule. The queen, renowned for her political acumen and strategic prowess, had meticulously woven a tapestry of power that seemed impervious to opposition. Yet, the assassination of Julius Caesar in Rome sent shockwaves across the empire, sparking a political maelstrom that would reverberate far beyond the city's borders.

Following Caesar's assassination, Cleopatra extended her stay in Rome until mid-April, aiming to secure acknowledgment for Caesarion as Caesar's heir. Despite her efforts, Caesar's will designated Octavian as the primary heir, leading to political uncertainties. Disheartened by this outcome, Cleopatra returned to Egypt. In the subsequent months, faced with the complex dynamics of Ptolemaic rule and her desire to strengthen Caesarion's position, Cleopatra took a drastic step. In a bid to consolidate power and ensure her son's influence, she orchestrated the demise of Ptolemy XIV. This move elevated Caesarion to the co-ruler status, solidifying Cleopatra's determination to secure a lasting legacy and protect her offspring's place in the intricate political landscape of Egypt.

# Liberators' civil war

Octavian, Antony, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus formed the Second Triumvirate in 43 BCE, in which they were each elected for five-year terms to restore order in the Republic and bring Caesar's assassins to justice.

Cleopatra received messages from both Gaius Cassius Longinus, one of Caesar's assassins, and Publius Cornelius Dolabella, proconsul of Syria and Caesarian loyalist, requesting military aid. She decided to write Cassius an excuse that her kingdom faced too many internal problems, while sending the four legions left by Caesar in Egypt to Dolabella.

Cleopatra took her fleet to Greece to personally assist Octavian and Antony. Her ships were heavily damaged in a Mediterranean storm and she arrived too late to aid in the fighting. Antony had defeated the forces of Caesar's assassins at the Battle of Philippi in Greece, leading to the suicide of Cassius and Brutus.

By the summer of 41 BCE, Cleopatra sailed up the Kydnos River to Tarsos in Thalamegos, hosting Antony and his officers for two nights of lavish banquets on board the ship. Cleopatra managed to clear her name as a supposed supporter of Cassius, arguing she had really attempted to help Dolabella in Syria, and convinced Antony to have her exiled sister, Arsinoe IV, executed at Ephesus. Cleopatra's former rebellious governor of Cyprus was also handed over to her for execution.

# Actium

The alliance between Cleopatra and Mark Antony went beyond political maneuvers, culminating in the birth of three children. Their union symbolized a merging of Egyptian and Roman worlds, with the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape.

In 36 BCE, tensions heightened as Mark Antony granted territories to Cleopatra and their offspring in the infamous Donations of Alexandria. This act raised alarm in Rome, sparking concerns about the growing influence of a foreign queen over a prominent Roman general.

The climax of this tumultuous saga occurred in 31 BCE with the Battle of Actium, a naval confrontation between the forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra against Octavian Augustus. Unfortunately for the Egyptian-Roman alliance, the Roman fleet suffered defeat, sealing the fate of Cleopatra and Mark Antony.

In 30 BCE, facing inevitable downfall after the Battle of Actium and surrounded by the advancing forces of Octavian, Cleopatra and Mark Antony chose a tragic end. Their joint decision to commit suicide marked the conclusion of a tumultuous era and the end of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of history.

# Legacy

Cleopatra's life was intricately tied to the political dynamics of the Roman Republic's transformation into the Roman Empire. Her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, as well as her role in the events surrounding the Battle of Actium, have made her a legendary figure in history.

Cleopatra's life and relationships, inspired a rich tapestry of fiction, art, and cultural representations throughout the centuries.

Writers, poets, and playwrights have woven her story into their works. Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" is one of the examples, capturing the tragic romance between the Egyptian queen and the Roman general.

The visual arts have long been captivated by Cleopatra's beauty and charisma. Numerous paintings, sculptures, and other artworks depict her in various interpretations. Notable artists like Titian, Jean-Léon Gérôme, and John William Waterhouse have created iconic representations of Cleopatra, each offering a unique perspective on her persona.

Cleopatra's life has been a recurring theme in cinema, with actresses like Elizabeth Taylor and Claudette Colbert portraying her on the big screen. The 1963 film "Cleopatra," starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, is particularly famous for its opulence and grandeur, mirroring the lavishness associated with the queen's court.

Musicians have drawn inspiration from Cleopatra's story, composing songs that explore the themes of love, power, and tragedy. Her name has found its way into lyrics, album titles, and even entire concept albums. The enduring mystique surrounding Cleopatra continues to inspire musical creativity across various genres.

Cleopatra remains a fixture in popular culture, appearing in diverse forms such as comic books, video games, and even as a symbol of beauty and seduction in advertising. Her image is often invoked to add an element of exoticism and intrigue to various media and products.

The enduring fascination with Cleopatra underscores her status as an enduring cultural icon. Whether in literature, art, film, or music, her legacy lives on as a symbol of timeless allure and the intricate interplay between love, power, and politics. The multitude of interpretations across different mediums attests to the enduring impact of Cleopatra on the human imagination.