Cleopatra

Coin depicting a likeness of Cleopatra.

One of the most enduring and least understood figures in Western history, Cleopatra VII is most remembered for her tumultuous personal life- mainly her affairs with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. But she is so much more than that. Cleopatra's death meant the end of the Hellenistic era and the beginning of the Roman Empire.



Cleopatra, despite ruling Egypt, was not Egyptian. She descended from the Ptolemaic(or Lagid) dynasty, whose founder Ptolemy was one of Alexander the Great's generals, who ruled from Alexandria, one of the new cities Alexander the Great found. The Ptolemaic dynasty survived all other Greek royal dynasties; by the time of Cleopatra, only the Ptolemies remained. The Ptolemies's survival was surprising, particularly as they were not popular among the native population and their habit of inbreeding resulted in several weak, not to say mad, rulers.

Also, by this time, the power of the Greeks had waned and Rome was on the ascendant.The rising Roman eagle had swallowed up Macedonia, Greece, and much of the Near East. Although Egypt appeared to be in danger, the Romans did not invade. One reason was that they feared whoever took control of Egypt would become too powerful. Egypt had large supplies of grain, a large treasury, and was strategically placed. Therefore, the Ptolemies were able to cleverly play Romans off one another, thus maintaining their independence.

Cleopatra's father, Ptolemy Auletes, was particularly unpopular. Derided as a flute-playing drunk, he spent massive amounts bribing important Roman senators to ensure Egypt's security. This did not endear him to his people. In 59 BCE, Auletes seemed to have succeeded with Pompey, an important Roman general; however, the following year Rome annexed Cyprus, a former Egyptian territory. Facing rebellion, Auletes fled to Rome.

Taking advantage of the situation, his daughter Berenice seized power in 55 BCE. But Auletes, by bribing Rome, induced its leaders to support his return. Following his return, he executed Berenice. Cleopatra, fourteen at this time, had already shown herself to be an intelligent, educated girl. She spoke Egyptian, the only Ptolemy to do so. She would have realized that Egypt was not strong enough to ensure its own independence.

Upon her father's death, Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XIII became joint rulers. They did not get alone. Ptolemy XIII exiled Cleopatra, and it seemed her time was finished.

It was during this time that Rome was undergoing a civil war of its own. Pompey and Caesar fought, and as Pompey lost, he escaped to Egypt hoping for refuge. He was treacherously killed. Caesar followed him, and was horrified at Pompey;s death. Meanwhile, Cleopatra smuggled herself into Alexandria in a carpet.

Contrary to popular imagination, the reason for Caesar's attraction was not based on Cleopatra's looks. Both being intelligent persons, they found each other remarkable attractive. Caesar helped her back to the throne.

With Caesar's death in 44 BCE, Cleopatra sought a new ally, this time in the person of Mark Antony. They soon became lovers. Mark Antony and his co-ruler Octavian eventually came into conflict. The conflict played itself out in the Battle of Actium. Cleopatra and Antony lost, and their fates were sealed.

Antony committed suicide and Cleopatra followed suit. Her dramatic death is a favorite of artists and Cleopatra herself is a popular figure in Western culture.