The real story of the last queen of Egypt, her strategic thinking, quick-wittedness, political skills and brilliant leadership.
Cleopatra VII died on the 12th August 30BCE after ruling Egypt for 22 years. Her death followed her defeat to Octavian, future first emperor of Rome, ending an important Egyptian era and leaving behind a legacy to be passed through many generations.
From a young age Cleopatra was raised to rule Egypt and received one of the best educations in the ancient world. She was tutored in Greek literature classics, sciences, geometry, arithmetic, medicine and foreign languages, the latter of which the future queen of Egypt excelled in. Mastering her studies …show more content…
Forming a political and romantic alliance with Julius Caesar, a Roman dictator and the most powerful man in Ancient Mediterranean world, Cleopatra was reinstated to the throne in 48BCE. Whilst some have used this relationship to create the perception of Cleopatra as a ‘mad’ or ‘bad girl’ in history, the reality is it highlights Cleopatra’s genius, recognising that strong global alliances with powerful rulers of the time were vital Egypt and also for her rule. Stacy Schiff, author of the book Cleopatra: The last Queen of Egypt further explores this idea,
“Cleopatra was incredibly clever she knew that marrying Caesar would create a joint monarchy and would not only solidify her grip on the throne, but ensure stability for her beloved Egypt.”
Her political and romantic alliances influenced Roman leadership to advancing the interests of Egypt, bringing prosperity to her nation and defying the Roman expansion. When Caesar was murdered in 44BCE Cleopatra sparked a second political alliance with Mark Antony, another powerful Roman general in 41BCE. She further secured this alliance by bearing Antony three children. Cleopatra’s relationships with powerful global leaders effectively resulted in security and prosperity for Egypt. In the Ancient era where Cleopatra’s Romantic interludes were fitting the Egyptian queen