Cleopatra The last queen of Egypt from the Macedonian Ptolemaic dynasty Date of Birth: 02.11.0069 Country: Egypt

1. Biography of Cleopatra
2. Introduction
3. Early Life
4. Relationship with Julius Caesar
5. Relationship with Mark Antony
6. Death

Biography of Cleopatra

The Last Queen of Egypt from the Macedonian Ptolemaic Dynasty

Introduction

Cleopatra, the last queen of Egypt from the Macedonian Ptolemaic dynasty, was a cunning, cruel, and manipulative genius who built her prosperity on the misfortunes of others, only to meet her own demise entangled in the webs of her own intrigues. Despite her deceitful nature, Cleopatra was known for her intelligence and education and is perhaps the most legendary woman in history.

Early Life

Cleopatra was born into the renowned Greek Ptolemaic dynasty. Her father, Ptolemy XII Auletes, was a cruel and despised ruler. In July 51 BC, he passed away, leaving the throne to his eldest children: sixteen-year-old beauty Cleopatra and thirteen-year-old Ptolemy XIII Dionysus. Following Egyptian custom, the siblings immediately married each other.

Cleopatra grew up in the vibrant city of Alexandria, which was a center for poetry, arts, and sciences. She received an excellent education and was fluent in several languages. She studied philosophy, literature, and played various musical instruments. She was a well-educated and intelligent woman, inheriting political acumen from her ancestors. However, she also possessed a passionate nature, and to satisfy her desires, Cleopatra maintained a large number of attractive men. In those times, this was not considered immoral.

Relationship with Julius Caesar

After marrying her younger brother Ptolemy XII, Cleopatra seemed to have gained power. However, her eunuch guardian Pothinus, who once hoped to become the chief ruler of Egypt, incited the people of Alexandria against her in 48 BC. Cleopatra was forced to flee, but she did not consider herself defeated.

Meanwhile, Julius Caesar, upon learning of the conflict, decided to intervene in Egyptian affairs and demanded that Cleopatra and Ptolemy disband their armies and present themselves to him for explanations. Cleopatra, trusting the great commander, immediately complied with his order. Disguised as a servant, she arrived in Alexandria on a fishing boat at night. Her servant wrapped her in a piece of colorful fabric, placed her in a bundle, and carried her to Caesar's quarters, where he presented the precious cargo at his feet.

Caesar, taken aback by Cleopatra's beauty, fell under her enchanting spell. She was only nineteen years old at the time, and her beauty was at its peak. Caesar was captivated, and Cleopatra triumphed.

Ptolemy XII died soon after, and Cleopatra's brother-husband now ruled alongside her. To avoid irritating the Egyptians, Caesar ordered Cleopatra to marry her younger brother Ptolemy XIII. However, their marriage was a sham, and Cleopatra remained Caesar's mistress, with her power in Egypt supported by Roman arms.

Relationship with Mark Antony

In Rome, rumors circulated about Cleopatra's relationship with Caesar, and she was publicly recognized as his mistress, which insulted the Roman Republic. A statue of the "Alexandrian courtesan" was erected in the Temple of Venus, and she was worshiped as a goddess. These insults to the Republic and the gods added fuel to the fire of unrest in Rome.

Meanwhile, Cleopatra had another lover in mind: Mark Antony, a pleasure-seeking but valiant warrior. In 42 BC, after defeating the conspirator Brutus, Antony traveled through Greece and Asia Minor, collecting tribute. Everywhere, he was greeted enthusiastically, except by Cleopatra, who did not pay him any attention.

Antony, not yet in love with the Egyptian queen, wanted to humiliate her and make her beg for forgiveness. But he had to wait for this pleasure, as Cleopatra did not wish to see him. When she finally arrived in Tarsus, she presented herself to Antony in a grand manner. The banquet was magnificent, and the Roman glutton, who once gave his house to his cook for preparing a good dish, was ready to give a city to Cleopatra. While he was still in love with Cleopatra, Antony left for a war in Armenia, hoping to return to her soon.

Cleopatra, fearing that Antony would return to his wife, doubled her affection for him. But when he mentioned the possibility of leaving her, she acted as if deeply saddened. She stopped eating, drinking, and spent days and nights in tears. Despite all this, Antony had to leave, as ordered by Rome. Cleopatra's fate now terrified her, and she considered suicide. She ordered the construction of a magnificent tomb by the sea, where she would be burnt along with all her treasures when the time came.

However, she still loved life and decided to escape. With the help of workers, machines, and draft animals, Cleopatra had her ships transported overland to the Red Sea. But her escape plan failed when Arab nomads burned all her ships. Undeterred, she fortified the fortresses of Pelusium and Alexandria, armed the people, and even enrolled her son Caesarion in the army. However, luck was not on her side, and the Romans emerged victorious in 31 BC.

Death

Upon hearing of Antony's death, Cleopatra, tormented by guilt, fell into despair. She desired to see her lover, whether alive or dead, and asked for him to be brought to her. Antony was barely alive, his fatal wound draining his strength. Overwhelmed with joy that Cleopatra was alive, he made his way to her, intending to die in her arms. Showering him with mad kisses, Cleopatra watched as Antony died in her embrace.

After Antony's burial, Cleopatra retreated to the palace, where she was surrounded by the trappings of royalty. Her attempt to negotiate with Octavian, the victor, ended in failure. Octavian, known for his numerous love affairs, was not affected by Cleopatra's charms. Learning that Octavian planned to parade her as a captive in chains during his triumphal procession, Cleopatra decided to take control of her own fate.

Cleopatra sent messengers to Octavian, secretly offering him her treasures. She also mentioned that Octavian had long been in love with her and was willing to grant her any wish. However, Octavian was not swayed by Cleopatra's treachery. Upon learning that Cleopatra planned to commit suicide, he hastened to her palace.

In a cunning move, Cleopatra locked herself in her chamber along with her two loyal handmaidens. She refused to see Octavian, wanting to die on her own terms. Cleopatra ordered a basket of figs to be brought to her, and within the fruit hid an asp, the snake that would bring her death. Cleopatra allowed the venomous serpent to bite her, ensuring her peaceful demise.

Cleopatra, the last queen of Egypt, died on August 12, 30 BC, at the age of 39. With her death, the Ptolemaic dynasty came to an end, and Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire. Cleopatra's life, marked by political intrigue and passionate love affairs, continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world.