THE UNREVEALED STORY OF CLEOPATRA

 

          Cleopatra vii Philopator (69-30 BC) was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt. She continues to be one of history's most fascinating and enigmatic figures. Her lifestyle was an enchanting fuse of political ruse, romance, and the wrestle for power in the ancient world. Cleopatra Vii was born in Alexandria in 69 BC, she was the daughter of Ptolemy Xii and of one of his wives, probably Cleopatra v Tryphena. Cleopatra was not an Egyptian, the Ptolemaic dynasty to which Cleopatra belonged was of Greek origin, founded by Ptolemy 1 Soter, a general under Alexander the Great and had been ruling Egypt since the death of Alexander in 323 BC. Even though they ruled Egypt the Ptolemies retained their Greek culture and traditions, hardly adopting Egyptian customs. They were considered foreigners by the native Egyptians which contributed to the eventual decline of their dynasty. 

            When Cleopatra was born, the dynasty was facing countless challenges, including power struggles within the family, invasions of foreign powers and economic instability. Cleopatra was raised in a luxurious place in Alexandrian, the cultural and intellectual capital of the Mediterranean world at that time. She was given a world-class education suitable for a queen. She was highly knowledgeable, studying various subjects under the guidance of various scholars and tutors. Cleopatra was fluent in many languages including Egyptian, Greek, Latin, Aramaic, Hebrew and Ethiopian making her the first Ptolemaic ruler to speak Egyptian. She understood the value of appealing to the cultural identity of the people she ruled. Despite not being ethnically Egyptian she embraced many of the country's customs. This attribute blended with her linguistic prowess allowed her to communicate directly with her subjects and foreign emissaries, earning her respect and admiration. 

          In 51 BC when Cleopatra was eighteen years old, her father died leaving the throne to his children. Cleopatra was appointed as a co-ruler with her younger brother Ptolemy Xiii who was only ten years old at that time, the siblings married, thereby preserving the Ptolemy tradition of sibling marriages to strengthen their rule. However, the sibling's relationship was weak with tension and power struggles soon erupted between them. In 48 BC Cleopatra was displaced from the throne and forced to leave Egypt after her brother's advisers staged a coup against her. Notwithstanding, she was determined to reclaim her throne and sought assistance from the Roman general Julius Caesar who had arrived in Egypt, pursuing his rival Pompey. Cleopatra smuggled herself into his presence and pleaded her case. She was said to have seduced him, but contrary to what people think she did not seduce him with her beauty. Cleopatra's beauty was not her biggest asset and may have been exaggerated. It was Roman propaganda that depicted Cleopatra as a seductress. Cleopatra's image was featured on the Egyptian coin during her reign mirroring her power and influence. These coins depict her with a prominent chin, a masculine feature that does not align with the traditional image of her as a great beauty. She was probably more famous for her intellect than her looks. An ancient Greek biographer claimed that her beauty was not exceptional but he writes that "she had a delightful voice and a persuasive tongue". He also said that her, "presence was irresistible" and that she "possessed a most charming intelligence". 

          Cleopatra and Ceaser became lovers, and this solidified their alliance. Caesar's intervention kindled the Alexandrian war, and Roman forces waged war against those loyal to Cleopatra's brother Ptolemy xiii, after a series of battles Caesar emerged victorious. Ptolemy xiii was said to have drowned while trying to cross the Nile, it is believed that it was Cleopatra who killed her brother. Some sources write that Cleopatra murdered three of her siblings to ensure that her throne was not contested. In 47 BC, she gave birth to a son- Caeserion whom she claimed was Caeser's child. Caesar never acknowledged paternity but their relationship stayed strong. In 46 BC Cleopatra visited Rome with Caeserion, she stayed in Caeser's villa. Her visit to Rome was a source of dispute as many Romans did not approve of her relationship with Caeser. In 44 BC Caeser was assassinated by a group of senators who disapproved of his growing power. Cleopatra fled back to Egypt with Caesarion who was seen as a threat to the new administration in Rome. When she returned to Egypt, her husband and brother died under mysterious circumstances in 44 BC. She probably killed him so that she could rule Egypt as a sole monarch.

         After Caeser's assassination, a power struggle transpired in Rome with Mark Anthony and Octavia. In 41 BC Anthony invited Cleopatra to Tarsus, a city in modern-day Turkey to discuss her loyalty to Rome and her role in the conflict that the country was experiencing at that time. Her entrance captivated Anthony and soon they became allies and lovers. In 41 BC Cleopatra engineered the execution of her sister who she considered a rival to the throne. Anthony spent the winter of 41/40 BC in Alexandrian immersing himself in Egyptian culture and solidifying his relationship with Cleopatra. They had three children; Alexander Helios, Cleopatra Serene II and Ptolemy Philadelphus. 

      In 31 BC, Octavian's army invaded Egypt and besieged Alexandria. Cleopatra led dozens of Egyptian warships into the battle alongside Anthony's fleet. Despite having a larger fleet, Anthony and Cleopatra's forces were defeated by Octavian's navy, commanded by Agrippa. Cleopatra and Anthony fled to Egypt. This defeat was a turning point in the wrestle for power in the ancient world, marking the end of the Hellenistic period and the inception of the Roman Empire. After the defeat, Anthony received false news of Cleopatra's death and in despair, he fell on his sword. Cleopatra was shattered by Anthony's deed and being captured by Octavian chose to end her life as well. 

       Their tragic story might have even influenced Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet masterpiece. Plutarch explains that after the defeat, Cleopatra was afraid that Anthony thought that she had betrayed him when the Octavian forces took control of Egypt and Anthony's soldiers deserted him. She therefore told a messenger to tell Anthony that she was dead when he heard this, Anthony stabbed himself with a sword but it was not a fatal wound. As Anthony desperately sought someone to end his life, Cleopatra sent a messenger to bring him to her. As he lay dying Cleopatra frantically tore at her clothes and hair in grief. Anthony urged her to calm down, he took a sip of water and passed away. According to Plutarch, Octavia captured Cleopatra and put her in prison to prevent her from committing suicide. However, Cleopatra received a basket of food concealing a venomous snake while in captivity. She willingly extended her arm allowing the snake to administer its lethal bite. 

       Cleopatra's death brought the Ptolemaic dynasty to an end and Egypt was annexed by the Roman Empire. Her son Caesarion was executed by Octavia, eliminating any potential threat to his rule. Cleopatra's surviving children were taken to Rome and raised by Anthony's former wife. Cleopatra's cultural legacy is vast and long-lasting, spanning centuries and influencing art, literature and popular culture. As one of the most famous women in history, she is remembered for her intelligence, beauty and political prowess during a turbulent period in ancient Egypt.