CLEOPATRA
69–30 BCE
Renowned for her military prowess and shrewd alliances, Queen Cleopatra was the last ruling pharaoh of Egypt.
Cleopatra ascended the throne of Egypt alongside her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, following their father’s death in 51 bce. When civil war erupted between the sibling rulers, Cleopatra allied herself with the Roman general Julius Caesar, who was charmed by her beauty and intelligence. Once Ptolemy was defeated, Cleopatra co-ruled first with Ptolemy XIV and then with her son, but she was effectively sole ruler of Egypt.
Following Julius’s assassination in 44 bce, Cleopatra formed a political and romantic relationship with Mark Antony, one of the three administrators who, along with Octavian (see Augustus Caesar) and (Marcus Aemilius) Lepidus, led Rome. As the Roman leaders vied for power, Octavian declared war on Antony and Cleopatra.
Defeated in battle at Actium in 31 bce, Cleopatra and Antony fled to Egypt, where besieged and facing capture and humiliation, they both committed suicide.
Cleopatra Gate, Turkey, where Roman General Mark Antony and Cleopatra struck an alliance in 41 bce.
MILESTONES
becomes queen
After her father Ptolemy XII dies, becomes queen of Egypt, 51 bce. Rules with brother, Ptolemy XIII.
allies with caesar
Banished, 49 bce. Becomes queen again after charming Caesar into defeating Ptolemy XIII in war, 48 bce.
sole ruler
Assassinates co-ruler Ptolemy XIV. Her young son replaces him; Cleopatra now sole ruler, 44 bce.
proclaimed goddess
After successful military campaign, Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius are lauded as gods, 34 bce.