Cleopatra was an Egyptian queen known for her beauty, intelligence and political skill. She was born in 69 BC and ruled Egypt for over 20 years. During her life, she made many enemies and allies. She was Julius Caesar’s lover, later Mark Antony’s wife, and had children by both men. Her story is full of drama, love, war and betrayal.
Table of Contents
Early Life
Cleopatra was born in 69 BC in Alexandria, Egypt. Her father was Ptolemy XII Auletes, the king of Egypt. Her mother was Cleopatra V Tryphaena, a princess from Syria. Ptolemy XII died when Cleopatra was 18 years old, and she then became queen together with her 10-year-old brother, Ptolemy XIII.
Cleopatra’s Reign
Cleopatra ruled Egypt for over 20 years. She was a very efficient ruler who improved the economy and created many public works projects. She also strengthened the Egyptian army. Eventually, she established a connection with Rome and entered into an alliance with Julius Cæsar.
Caesar and Cleopatra
In 47 BC Julius Caesar came to Egypt to help Ptolemy XIII in a civil war against his sister, Cleopatra VII. When Caesar arrived in Egypt, however, he was welcomed by Cleopatra. They became lovers and had a son together named Cæsarion.
In 44 BC Julius Caesar was assassinated by Marcus Brutus in Rome. Civil war broke out in Rome between those who supported Marcus Brutus and those who supported Caesar’s heir, Octavian. In Egypt, Cleopatra sided with Octavian, against Brutus. Octavian defeated Brutus at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. In 27 BC he became the ruler of Rome and took the title Augustus (meaning “exalted”).
Death of Antony and Cleopatra
In 31 BC Augustus defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium off the coast of Greece. Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide rather than be captured by Augustus’ forces. Her death is one of the most controversial events in history because there are many different versions of it.
One version says she committed suicide by allowing herself to be bitten by an aspen, another version says she died from a snakebite, and some say she was killed by Augustus’ men. After their deaths, however, Augustus annexed Egypt into the Roman Empire as a province ruled by a governor appointed by him.
Conclusion
Cleopatra was one of the most famous women in history. She was beautiful, intelligent and an excellent politician. She ruled Egypt for over 20 years and made alliances with both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. She eventually lost power when Augustus defeated Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium. After their suicide, Augustus annexed Egypt into the Roman Empire. Readers can learn a lot about ancient history by studying the life of this fascinating woman.