An Introduction to the History of Cleopatra the Seventh, Queen of Egypt

Cleopatra VII was 1 of the most exceptional rulers of Egypt, identified for her cleverness and originality. Numerous contemplate her one of the most prominent female political figures in history, and she has been dramatized in numerous films. The ascension of a strong female ruler and her struggle to maintain the throne, as properly as her ruthlessness, captivates people about the globe. Cleopatra might properly have been the first dominant female political figure.

Childhood

Cleopatra was the daughter of Ptolemy XII (also recognized as Auletes) and Cleopatra V Tryphaena. She was born in 69 B.C. and had numerous siblings, which includes an older sister and a younger brother. Cleopatra’s father sank Egypt into heavy debt with Rome, and was banished out of the country. Berenice IV, Cleopatra’s older sister, was created the queen of Egypt, but her father beheaded her in an try to get the throne back. In 51 B.C., her father died, and she ascended to the throne as co-regent with her brother, Ptolemy XIII.

Becoming Queen

Despite the fact that Ptolemy XIII was only ten years old, his advisors drove Cleopatra out of Egypt into Syria in 49 B.C. She gathered an army of mercenaries although in Syria, preparing to fight back. At the same time, Julius Caesar came to Alexandria. Cleopatra recognized that he would be able to support her regain the throne, but she was not allowed into Egypt. Even so, she devised a way in – her servant wrapped her in a carpet and delivered her to Caesar. This was a pivotal moment and demonstrated Cleopatra’s cunning. She united forces with Caesar and beat Ptolemy’s forces out of Egypt.

Ruler of Egypt

Cleopatra bore a son with Caesar named Caesarion, who became her co-regent after Caesar died in 44 B.C. Cleopatra’s throne was finally protected, and she was in a position to rule her country. Cleopatra was multilingual and spoke Egyptian, even although she was of Macedonian Greek descent. She also appealed to her subjects by immersing herself in Egyptian paintings and sculptures. Her subjects created a robust sense of patriotism. Cleopatra enjoyed luxury, and proclaimed herself the reincarnation of Isis, the goddess of regality and youngsters. Nevertheless, disaster struck when the Nile flooded and crops died. Cleopatra was forced to seduce Mark Antony so he would agree to safeguard Egypt and her throne. Egypt’s power was restored, and Mark Antony gave land to his sons that he had with Cleopatra. Nevertheless, Antony’s adopted son Octavian became really angry and declared war on Antony.

Death of Cleopatra

Octavian’s forces defeated Cleopatra and Antony’s forces, leading Antony to commit suicide. Cleopatra followed suit, but rather of falling on a sword, she most most likely chose death by a poisonous snake, the asp. The asp is a sign of royalty and the symbol of Amen-Re, the Egyptian sun god.

Inspiration

Cleopatra was a born leader and monarch. Her love of her crown and need to make her nation prosperous came prior to everything else. She was ruthless, not only assassinating her younger sister but also committing suicide. She entered two adore alliances to strengthen Egypt’s power, bearing 3 youngsters to Antony when they have been not even married. Although Cleopatra did a lot of terrible issues, she gave almost everything she had to her nation.