Cleopatra by John William Waterhouse, 1888.
However, she wasnt just a seductress.
Cleopatra was one of the most successful and powerful queens in history.
“Cleopatra” by John William Waterhouse, 1888. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
Discover 10 surprising facts about Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile.
Marble bust of Cleopatra VII of Egypt from ca.
(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
There was more than one Cleopatra.
Marble bust of Cleopatra VII of Egypt from ca. 40-30 BCE. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
When you think of Cleopatra, theres likely just one Egyptian queen that comes to mind.
But, that’s not true.
Cleopatra was actually the seventh woman in the Ptolemaic dynasty to bear the name.
Cleopatra VII’s portrait on a coin. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
Her full name is Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (meaning the father-loving goddess in Greek).
Shes not actually Egyptian.
Although Cleopatra was born in Egypt, shes actually of Macedonian Greek descent.
“The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra, 41 BCE.” by Lawrence Alma Tadema, 1885. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
After Cleopatras father died, she and her younger brother (Ptolemy XIII) were appointed as joint rulers.
Cleopatra VII’s portrait on a coin.
(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
Her beauty is a myth.
Theda Bara as Cleopatra, from the 1917 movie “Cleopatra.” (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
Ancient Egyptian coins adorned with her face reveal that she likely had a strong jawline and a hooked nose.
Additionally, historian Plutarch wrote that her looks were not altogether incomparable.
Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in 1969, 2,038 years after the birth of Cleopatra.
She married both of her brothers.
She was involved in murders of her own siblings.
She erased his name from official documents and even ordered that his face be removed from coins.
Ptolemy XIII drowned in the Nile River after being defeated in battle.
The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra, 41 BCE.
by Lawrence Alma Tadema, 1885.
(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
She always made a dramatic entrance.
Cleopatra often used elaborate costumes and dramatic entrances to reinforce her elite status and win over potential allies.
In 48 BCE, she wrapped herself in carpet and smuggled herself into Julius Caesar’s personal quarters.
Antonywho considered himself the embodiment of the Greek god Dionysuswas instantly charmed and the pair later married.
Cleopatra and Mark Antony founded a drinking club.
Cleopatra and Antonys relationship had its political advantages.
Antony helped her to protect her crown, while Cleopatra provided him access to Egypts riches and resources.
But aside from that, they were also deeply fond of each other.
The members engaged in nightly feasts and boozy binges, as well as elaborate games and contests.
Theda Bara as Cleopatra, from the 1917 movie Cleopatra.
(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
She had a child with Julius Caesar.
His reign, however, didn’t last long.
He was tragically captured and executed shortly after his mother’s suicide.
