Facts About Cleopatra, A Queen, Scholar, and Strategist

Some of you might already have an idea about Cleopatra. She was an Egyptian queen famous for her romances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, who ruled Egypt after her father died in 51 BCE. Cleopatra shared power with her brothers and son until Roman forces led by Octavian (later emperor Augustus) defeated her and Antony. However, Cleopatra died of suicide because of the defeat. Furthermore, Cleopatra’s influence on Roman politics and her image as a femme fatale continue to be studied even now. Read on to learn more Facts about Cleopatra. 

Overview about Cleopatra
Description	Details
Born	69 BC
Died	30 BC
Reigned	51 BC to 30 BC
Known for	Being the last pharaoh of Egypt, Fabled beauty, Love affairs with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, Waging war on Rome with Mark Antony
Cause of death	Took her own life, possibly with poison (legend: snake bite)

Facts About Cleopatra

Additionally, here are facts you should know about the queen, scholar, and strategist, Cleopatra. 

1. Cleopatra, though born in Egypt, descended from Macedonian Greeks. She did not miss any chance to learn the culture of Egypt which is contrary to prior Ptolemaic rulers.

2. Roman propaganda and world perception have portrayed Cleopatra as a seductive temptress, but she was more likely renowned for her intellect. Moreover, the previous fact about Cleopatra proved by stating that she learned about Egyptian culture. Additionally, she spoke many languages and was well-educated in various subjects. Coins suggest her appearance might not have been as captivating as legend suggests.

3. Power struggles, like in every other royal family, were common in her family. Her first husband-brother, Ptolemy XIII, expelled her from the throne. Cleopatra later regained power with Caesar’s help and as the rumours suggest, she had him and another sibling murdered.

Also Read: 17 Shocking Facts About Egyptian Pyramids

4. This fact about Cleopatra is amazing, she loved dramatic entrances to solidify her power and divine status. A famous incident is when she had been rolled in a rug to make an entrance into Caesar’s quarters. 

5. She saw herself as a living goddess, like every other girl. Moreover, she used theatrics to impress potential allies. Here is another story related to this for you: She loved arriving on a golden barge to meet Mark Antony.

6. Caesar flaunted Cleopatra as his mistress in Rome, even bringing their son. However, her presence and a statue erected for her caused a stir. After Caesar’s assassination, she fled the city.

7. Cleopatra and Antony’s relationship had both a political and romantic side. They famously enjoyed a luxurious winter in Egypt, hence forming a drinking club known for wild parties and pranks.

8. Cleopatra was not just a queen; she was a leader. She bravely commanded a fleet of Egyptian warships alongside Antony at the Battle of Actium, but they were ultimately defeated.

9. The exact method of Cleopatra’s suicide remains unclear. It is a subject of research and there is a conspiracy theory about her death. Legend says a snake bit her, but some historians believe she used poisoned hairpins or ointment.

10. Elizabeth Taylor’s portrayal of Cleopatra in the 1963 film was iconic. The movie became one of the most expensive ever made due to production issues and Taylor’s extravagant costumes.

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