![]() In 48 BC, he defeated Pompey, who fled to Egypt seeking refuge. ![]() It seemed that a Pompey victory would guarantee Cleopatra’s permanent exile or execution. However, Ptolemy XIII decided on Pompey, the Ptolemy family’s longstanding benefactor and provided him with ships, wheat and other provisions in exchange for Pompey recognizing Ptolemy as sole ruler of Egypt. Caesar recognized Cleopatra’s father as a friend to Rome and loaned the Egyptian king a considerable and still outstanding sum of money. Two Roman leaders, Pompey (106-48 BC) and Julius Caesar (100-44 BC) fought for competing visions of Rome. Not an easy task with Rome embroiled in a civil war between rival factions that threatened to tear the budding empire apart. As biographer Stacy Schiff writes, “it was essential to befriend the most powerful Roman of the day.” (3) Cleopatra’s father, Ptolemy, paid a vast amount to retain status as a friend and ally of the Roman people. Allying with influential Roman leaders became essential for Egyptian survival. Egypt, acutely aware of Roman ambitions, knew the budding empire required careful diplomacy. By this time, the Republic of Rome had taken significant steps toward becoming a great empire, steadily extending its territory and influence. However, events to the west would offer Cleopatra a political opportunity. Now recognized by the Ptolemaic court as “leading dynast,” Ptolemy had the upper hand. Buoyed by influential advisors led by the cunning Pothinus, Ptolemy XIII got the upper hand, and Cleopatra left Alexandria (or was exiled) in 49 BC. Both signed documents without the signature of the other and conspired with advisors to out the other. Soon after their father’s death, the ruling siblings fell into conflict. ![]() Domestic competition for power pervaded a Ptolemaic history littered with betrayal and murder. The Ptolemy tradition promoted domestic unions, so Cleopatra (age 18) and her younger brother Ptolemy XIII (age 10) wed and succeeded their father. Cleopatra’s father, Ptolemy XII (117-51 BC), ruled Egypt until his death from natural causes in 51 BC. Perhaps the only Ptolemaic leader to do so. An avid learner, Cleopatra spoke many languages, including Egyptian, which allowed her to converse directly with her people. ![]() She studied literary greats, especially Homer, math and science, and rhetoric and public speaking. Cleopatra, as biographer Stacy Schiff points out, “enjoyed the best education available in the Hellenistic world” (28). Women were educated, held property, and could initiate divorces. 323 BC)The legitimacy of the Ptolemaic line would rely, to a large degree, on this link to Ptolemy I.Įgyptian women (especially royal women) enjoyed high status relative to other countries. Born in 69 BC, Cleopatra hailed from a long line of the Ptolemaic dynasty that began when Ptolemy I of Macedonia took control of Egypt shortly after the death of his friend and leader – Alexander the Great. These liaisons and her dramatic death – alleged suicide by snake bit – tend to overshadow a woman who displayed competent leadership, extraordinary intelligence, bravery, and resolve.Įarly Years. She is primarily known as Egypt’s last Queen and the lover of two powerful and famous Roman leaders – Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Contemporary accounts of her life, many from Roman officials who despised her, offer less than reliable information. Numerous movies, articles and books explore her life and legacy. Cleopatra VII (69- 30 BC) ruled Egypt for twenty-two years and is one of the most recognizable figures in world history. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |