Cleopatra
Early Life
Cleopatra VII was born in late 69 BC in Alexandria, the royal capital of Egypt during the Hellenistic era. She was the daughter of Ptolemy XII and possibly Cleopatra V Tryphaena.
Ascension to the Throne
Cleopatra ascended to the Egyptian throne in 51 BC, after the death of her father, Ptolemy XII. She was co-regent with her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, whom she married as per Egyptian custom. However, Cleopatra quickly fell out of favor with the advisors and courtiers who had served her father, leading to a civil war.
Alliance with Julius Caesar
In 48 BC, Cleopatra sought the support of Caesar, the Roman dictator, to regain her throne. She famously had herself smuggled into Caesar's palace rolled up in a carpet. Caesar was charmed by Cleopatra and supported her claim to the throne. Their alliance resulted in a son, Ptolemy XV Caesarion, who was later named co-regent by Cleopatra.
Reign and Policies
Cleopatra was a highly intelligent ruler, fluent in several languages and well-versed in economics, politics, and military tactics. She implemented policies to stimulate Egypt's economy and elevate its status on the world stage. Her reign is marked by ambitious building projects and efforts to cultivate alliances with powerful Roman leaders.
Relationship with Mark Antony
Following Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, Cleopatra aligned herself with Antony, one of the triumvirs who ruled Rome in the power vacuum following Caesar's death. Their political alliance soon turned into a romantic relationship, resulting in three children. Antony's relationship with Cleopatra caused a rift with his fellow triumvir, Octavian, leading to the final war of the Roman Republic.
Death and Legacy
Cleopatra's death in 30 BC, traditionally believed to be the result of a self-inflicted asp bite, marked the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and the beginning of Egypt as a Roman province. Her death has been the subject of many works of art and literature, and her life has been dramatized in numerous films and plays.