Queen who made her History for Centuries!
Who Was Cleopatra?
The mythological figure known as Cleopatra was a woman who lived in ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic dynasty. She is best remembered for her relationship with Julius Caesar, which resulted in his assassination by Marc Antony on March 15th, 44 A.D., after he had defeated him at the Battle of Actium.
Cleopatra (c.69 BC – 30 BC)
The daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes and his wife Berenice IV was born in 69 B.C. to a royal family that ruled Egypt since Alexander’s death. She grew up in Alexandria, where she became an accomplished horsewoman and enjoyed hunting wild animals nearby. Her father died when she was only nine years old, but he left behind two sons by another woman, one of whom would become king after him. The other son was murdered soon after.
The Royal Queen of Egypt
In 51 B.C., after a series of military defeats by Rome, Queen Cleopatra VI died without an heir. Her brother-in-law, Julius Caesar, who had married into the royal family, became king. He named his son Gaius Octavius to be a co-ruler with him. In 46 B.C., however, he declared war on Antony and Cleopatra to support Brutus and Cassius during the Roman Civil War.
Cleopatra and Caesar’s Relationship
Pelusium marked the beginning of what historians call “the Alexandrian War.” This conflict pitted Cleopatra against Julius Caesar, who had recently become a Roman dictator. After several months of fighting, Cleopatra surrendered to Rome, agreeing to pay tribute and control Alexandria. She then traveled back to Rome, where she met with Caesar and became romantically involved with him. Caesar soon declared himself emperor, making Cleopatra queen consort.
Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s Relationship
Following Caesar’s murder, Cleopatra became involved romantically with another Roman leader, Marcus Antonius. Their relationship lasted until 42 B.C. when Cleopatra left him to return to Alexandria. She then traveled to Athens, where she lived out the rest of her life. Her son, Ptolemy XIV, succeeded her upon her death in 30 B.C.
Death of Cleopatra
Following the loss at Actium, Cleopatra left Antony and traveled to Athens, giving birth to twins Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene. She then moved northward to Ephesus, where she stayed until news reached her that Antony had committed suicide. After hearing the tragic news, Cleopatra went south again, arriving in Rhodes in 27 B.C. There, she killed herself, although the details are unknown.
Cleopatra is buried along with Antony. Following Cleopatra’s death, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire.
Why is Cleopatra known for her Beauty?
The answer is simple: she was a queen. And queens, like all women of power and influence, were expected to be beautiful. But how do you make yourself look more attractive than nature intended? The ancient Egyptians had some pretty clever ways to achieve this goal. She used it so the Lactic acid would peel off the dead skin and give a newer blemish-free skin underneath. She used various perfumes Prepared naturally with Flower petals and olive oil. Cleopatra was even into developing a treatment for baldness.
Interesting Facts on Cleopatra
Cleopatra was not an Egyptian.
Her Beauty is of great significance, and her Natural Treatment for Beauty is discussed to date.
She married both her Brothers.
They were her solid political allies.
She was a Highly Educated and Intelligent leader.
She had four children.
She was a very popular pharaoh.
Many sculptures, Paintings, Literature, Art, etc., are based on Cleopatra’s life story.