Cleopatra the Great, also called Cleopatra VII Philopator, is one of the most famous women in history, a legendary, romantic, ambitious and brave figure. She successfully held power in one of the largest states of the ancient world, was able to fall in love and keep with her the two most powerful men of the era of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. She kept the independence of her homeland from the power of Rome only thanks to her own mind and diplomatic abilities.
Childhood and youth
She was the daughter of Ptolemy XII, king of Egypt, and most likely his wife and sister Cleopatra V, she had many brothers and sisters, of whom we know two younger brothers of Ptolemy XIII Dionysus and Ptolemy XIV, two older sisters of Berenice IV and Cleopatra VI and one younger Arsinoe IV. She was born in 69 BC. in Alexandria, the capital of an independent state, extremely wealthy, but weak politically and militarily. The family of Cleopatra belonged to the Macedonian family of Ptolemies, descended from one of the generals of Alexander the Great, Ptolemy, who, after the death of the great conqueror, came to power in Egypt.
Cleopatra's father Ptolemy XII was a weak and cruel ruler, in 58 BC. he lost control of the state. His daughter Berenice came to power, who married her cousin, but soon ordered to strangle him in order to be able to marry again. In 55 BC. Ptolemy XII decided to regain power at any cost and he succeeded. Berenice and her husband were captured and executed.
Cleopatra was only 17 years old when in the spring of 51 BC. Ptolemy XII died, and by the will of Pompey his throne was inherited by Cleopatra and her younger brother Ptolemy XIII, whom she married, as was customary from time immemorial in the families of Egyptian rulers. She was a young, intelligent woman, spoke nine languages, knew medicine, astronomy, mathematics and literature. Unlike her father, she also had an outstanding political sense and diplomatic tact.
During the first three years, Ptolemy XIII was represented by the eunuch Ponitus, who, in collusion with General Achilles and the adviser Theodosius, removed the young queen from power and in 48 BC. exiled together with his sister to Syria. Pompey at this time was engaged in a war with Julius Caesar. Luck was on Caesar's side. Upon learning of this, Ptolemy and his henchmen tried to please him and donate the head of Pompey, but this gesture caused Julius's anger. And he decides to restore the old order and put Cleopatra on the throne next to her brother. What prompted Caesar to take this step and what charms the young ruler resorted to, remains a secret to this day. But one thing is obvious, many weaknesses can be attributed to Julius, but he was an outstanding politician, prudent and far-sighted. He also has special problems with women, and for sure he could quite clearly separate pleasure from duties. And he hardly gave Egypt to the girl he saw for the first time in his life.
Ptolemy XIII categorically did not like this decision, and he decided to return power by force. However, Julius Caesar, after six months of the war, defeated him completely. Alas, during the fighting, the world's largest Library of Alexandria was destroyed in the fire, a huge loss for the entire world civilization. Cleopatra returned to the throne, this time side by side with her brother Ptolemy XIV, who was then about forty years old.
Cleopatra and Caesar
Caesar and Cleopatra decided to travel along the Nile. It was then that Cleopatra found herself in a position from the emperor of the Roman Empire. She gave birth to a son, whom Caesar recognized, after which he returned to Rome, leaving legions in Egypt who were supposed to protect his concubine and son if necessary. A year later, he invited Cleopatra to Rome.
In the fall of 46 BC. e. Cleopatra, her son and brother Ptolemy XIV arrived in the eternal city. Cleopatra spent two years at Caesar's villa. The emperor showered her with gifts and titles.
But alas, among the Romans and the nobility grew dissatisfaction with such behavior of Caesar. It was rumored that he wanted to marry an Egyptian and rule Rome like king, abolishing the republic. As a result of the conspiracy, March 15, 44 BC. e. Caesar was stabbed to death.
Cleopatra in a hurry returned to Egypt, along with the entire court. Her brother Ptolemy XIV dies very soon, but most likely he was poisoned at her command. Cleopatra becomes regent of her son Ptolemy XV Caesarion.
Caesar's death provoked a civil war in Rome. The power was supported by a triumvirate consisting of Octavian, Mark Antony and Mark Lepidus. In 42 BC. Cleopatra met in Tarsus with Mark Antony. Together they arrived in Alexandria. The queen charmed him too, and very quickly they became lovers. We know their history from the descriptions of Plutarch. From this union, the twins Cleopatra Selena and Alexander Helios were born. At this time, Mark Antony returned to Rome, married Octavia, the sister of Octavian, from whom he had two daughters, both named Antonio.
Cleopatra and Octavian
In 37 BC. Mark Antony with his fleet arrives in Egypt, where he again meets with Cleopatra and he decides not to return to Rome. They got married a year later. Cleopatra became pregnant again and gave birth to a son, Ptolemy. Together with Cleopatra, they declared themselves the living gods Isis and Dionysius. In 34 BC. e. Cleopatra was proclaimed the queen of Cyrenaica, Alexander Helios was the king of Armenia, Ptolemeus was the king of Syria, Caesarion received the title of King of Kings, and Cleopatra herself was the Queen of Kings.
The Roman nobility was outraged by Antony's irresponsibility. In the end, Octavian convinced the Senate to declare war on Egypt. In 31 BC. the battle of Aktion, terrible in its consequences, took place. Antony fled to Alexandria. Octavian followed him in 30 BC. the city was surrounded by Roman legions. The last battle at Alexandria was also lost. Antony again fled from the battlefield. He had no choice but to commit suicide, and he stabbed himself in the chest with a sword. The city fell, Octavian took Cleopatra and her children prisoner.
Octavian treated Cleopatra well, but she knew what awaited her, and did not want to go chained up after Octavian's chariot through the streets of Rome. She ordered to bring her supper and vipers were hidden in the basket of figs, she wrote a farewell letter to Octavian asking to be buried next to Mark Antony, and allowed herself to be bitten. When she died, she was 39 years old, it was August 12, 30 BC.
Cleopatra was the last pharaoh of Egypt, and the last independent ruler. After her, the country became a Roman province and never regained its splendor. Octavian ordered to strangle Caesarion, the rest of the children were sent to Rome under the care of Octavia. Cleopatra Selena became the wife of King Jubi II of Mauritania, what happened to the rest of the offspring is unknown.
This wonderful, bold and full of life woman continues to inspire many artists, painters, musicians, poets, playwrights, novelists, fashion designers, hairdressers, filmmakers, jewelry designers, as well as a crowd of ordinary women who are looking for a glamorous style.
