Cleopatra years of reign. Legends about the life, love and death of the great Cleopatra

Cleopatra is the last queen of Hellenistic Egypt from the Macedonian Ptolemaic (Lagid) dynasty. She is one of the most famous queens in history.

Many books have been written about Cleopatra and many films have been made. Tsars and commanders fell in love with her, and were ready to give their lives for her.

In this article, we will look at the features of Cleopatra, and also try to understand why she managed to gain such popularity. Indeed, speaking of women, people immediately remember two queens: and Cleopatra.

And in general, for ancient world Cleopatra is quite an important and iconic figure.

So in front of you Biography of Queen Cleopatra.

Biography of Cleopatra

Cleopatra VII Philopator was born on November 2, 69 BC. e. Historians are still arguing about the place of his birth. According to the official version, she was born in Alexandria, which was then one of the most developed cities in the world.

An interesting fact is that Cleopatra did not have a drop of Egyptian blood, since she came from the Ptolemaic family.

The Ptolemaic dynasty, ruling Egypt in the IV-I centuries BC. e., was founded by one of the commanders - the Greek Ptolemy I.

Childhood and youth

It is fair to say that almost nothing is known about the childhood of the future queen. However, her biographers suggest that she was a highly educated girl.

Such conclusions are made on the basis that Cleopatra had good thinking, knew how to play musical instruments and knew 8 languages.

Moreover, during her life she managed to repeatedly conduct brilliant negotiations from a political point of view with various statesmen and military figures. She can rightly be called an outstanding diplomat.

Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra

It is obvious that while living in the city named after Alexander the Great, she repeatedly visited the famous Library of Alexandria, which contained hundreds of thousands of books.

During the biography of 58-55 years. BC e. Cleopatra witnessed the expulsion of her father Ptolemy 12 Auletes from the state, after which the power was in the hands of her sister Berenice.

It is worth noting that Berenice was the exact opposite of Cleopatra. She loved fashion, entertainment and different decorations. Other than that, she was quite a lazy and stupid girl.

After some time, with the help of the Romans, Cleopatra's father is again elevated to the throne of Egypt. However, instead of taking control of the state, he begins to take revenge on his opponents. During his reign, there were many repressions and political assassinations.

As a result, Berenice herself became a victim of repression. Cleopatra could see with her own eyes what horrors were happening in the palace and beyond. She also understood that her father, in fact, was a puppet in the hands of the Roman authorities.

Queen Cleopatra

After the death of his father, power actually passed into the hands of Cleopatra, who was then about 17 years old. An interesting fact is that her first official husband was her brother Ptolemy XIII, who at that time was not even 10 years old.

Bust of Cleopatra in Algiers (Berlin Antique Collection). Cleopatra is wearing a royal diadem and a bandage on her hair

Naturally, this marriage was only a formality, as the customs of the country required it. Cleopatra, being a woman, could not reign on her own.

She ascended the throne as Thea Philopator, that is, "the goddess, loving father».

At that time, some territories of Egypt belonged to the Roman Empire, but in general the state was not conquered.

The country was going through a financial crisis and had a lot of debt. In this regard, the first years of the reign of Queen Cleopatra turned out to be very difficult.

At that time, the people suffered from hunger due to a two-year crop failure. In addition, as Cleopatra's husband Ptolemy 13 grew older, he began to unambiguously claim power in Egypt.

His supporters were the eunuch Potin, who was something like the head of government, the commander Achilles and his tutor Theodotus (orator from the island of Chios).

Escape to Syria

The advisers of the rising king turned him against Cleopatra. The inhabitants of Egypt were even announced that she allegedly wants to overthrow the rightful heir Ptolemy 13 from the throne.

All this led to the fact that the queen had to flee to Syria. However, while in a foreign land, Cleopatra developed plans for how to regain power.

Around the same time, he organized a military campaign in Alexandria, directed against his longtime opponent Pompey.

However, he never managed to fight him, because, having reached the banks of the Nile, Gnaeus Pompey was killed by the supporters of Ptolemy 13. But Caesar did not think of leaving Egypt quickly, because he decided to collect huge debts from the government that the Egyptians owed to Rome.

At that moment, Cleopatra realized that she needed to act urgently. She set out to win over the Roman commander at all costs and enlist his support.

According to a famous legend, the queen ordered a slave to wrap her in a carpet, which was to be presented to Caesar.

When he unfolded the carpet and saw Cleopatra inside, he was so struck by the dazzling beauty of the queen that he immediately decided to support her in the struggle for power.

Queen Cleopatra and Julius Caesar

In 47 BC The Roman army defeated the Egyptians, as a result of which Caesar took possession of the entire territory of Egypt. Interestingly, Cleopatra's brother Ptolemy 13 drowned in the Nile during his flight.

Thanks to this denouement, Cleopatra became queen again, starting to rule with her other brother, the twelve-year-old Ptolemy 14.

Personal life

AT fiction and cinema Cleopatra is presented as a charming and luxurious girl, capable of captivating the hearts of men with one glance.

For many, the image of Queen Cleopatra is associated with the one who played her in the movie "Cleopatra".

Cleopatra and Caesar. Painting by Jean-Léon Gérôme, 1866

However, in reality, the appearance of the Egyptian queen was not particularly beautiful, but rather, on the contrary, was unattractive. After the coins and statues of Cleopatra were found, scientists managed to recreate a possible portrait of her.

Judging by the finds, Cleopatra had a large nose and a narrow chin. Obviously, it was only thanks to her intelligence and natural charm that she managed to impress the representatives of the stronger sex.

According to the documents, the queen repeatedly tested the effects of various poisons on her slaves, and then watched the unfortunate people die in agony.

According to some sources, many were ready to give their lives for one night with Cleopatra. Noble men went for it even though the payment for the night with the queen was death.

Rachel Riley as Cleopatra

The next morning, Cleopatra's lovers were beheaded, after which they were exhibited in the palace as trophies.

There are many legends about the romantic relationship between Cleopatra and Julius Caesar.

At the same time, the Roman commander really loved the queen, for the sake of which he broke off his relationship with his mistress Servilia. Cleopatra even gave birth to a son from him, named by a double name - Ptolemy Caesar.

Queen Cleopatra in Rome

In the summer of 46 BC. e. Cleopatra, along with her brother, arrived on a visit to Rome. Many noble Romans came to pay their respects to her, which terribly annoyed the Republicans, and, according to historians, hastened the death of Caesar.

An interesting fact is that the famous philosopher and orator Cicero once wrote in one of his notes that he "hates Cleopatra."

After Caesar was killed by the conspirators, he was replaced by Mark Antony. He was going to accuse Cleopatra of involvement in the conspiracy, but Cleopatra resorted to trickery.

She put on the best clothes and jewelry, and thus charmed the Roman commander. A stormy romance began between them, which lasted 10 years.

As a result, they had three children: the twins Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene, as well as Ptolemy Philadelphus.

This story shows that Cleopatra's influence on men was truly incredible and almost mystical.

Death of Cleopatra

How Queen Cleopatra died is unknown. The most common version of her death is the story told by Plutarch.

So, during the confrontation between Octavian Augustus and Mark Antony, the latter was falsely informed about the death of Cleopatra. Hearing bad news, he decided to commit suicide by throwing himself on the sword.

At this time, the queen was hiding in the tomb, where the mortally wounded Mark Antony was later taken.

Death of Cleopatra. Painter Jean-Andre Rixant, 1874

After his death, Cleopatra fell into depression and did not get out of bed for a long time. Later, she learned that Augustus intended to shackle her in chains and smuggle her around Rome in this form.

Not wanting to endure such disgrace, she took a bite from a poisonous snake, which was secretly brought to her in a vessel with treats.

The location of the mummy of Queen Cleopatra is still unknown. Some historians suggest that she, along with Mark Anthony, could be buried under the temple of the necropolis, but there are no reliable facts confirming this version.

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Cleopatra VII Philopator is an Egyptian queen, whose biography is being discussed to this day. Not being attractive in appearance, Cleopatra managed to get the attention of two great Roman generals - and. This love triangle has found its echoes in many books and films: directors make films, and writers talk about the image of this femme fatale on the pages of their works.

Childhood and youth

Cleopatra was born on November 2, 69 BC. The true place of birth is still a mystery, but it is generally accepted that her homeland is Cultural Center ancient world Alexandria. Contrary to popular belief, the queen did not have a drop of Egyptian blood and came from the Ptolemaic dynasty, which was founded by the Diadochi Ptolemy I, and therefore had Greek roots.

Almost nothing is known about Cleopatra's childhood and youth. But it is worth suggesting that the future ruler read books in the Library of Alexandria and studied music, because she knew how to reason philosophically, think reasonedly, played various instruments and knew eight foreign languages.

This is surprising, because in those days the Greeks did not care about the education of children, especially girls. For example, her sister Berenice was a completely opposite nature: she loved entertainment, was quite lazy and unintelligent. In 58-55 BC. Cleopatra had to watch how her father Ptolemy XII Avlet was expelled from the country, and power was concentrated in the hands of his daughter Berenice (the ancient Greek historian Strabo noted that Berenice is the only legitimate daughter of Ptolemy XII Avlet, so there is an opinion that Cleopatra was born from a concubine).

Later, by the forces of the Romans, under the leadership of Aulus Gabinius, the king again ascended the throne of Egypt. However, he could not skillfully use power, so repression, delinquent behavior in society and brutal murders spread under him. Thus, subsequently, Ptolemy turned into a puppet, which was controlled by the Roman governors. Of course, these events left an imprint in the mind of Cleopatra: in the future, the girl recalled the reckless reign of her father, who remained in her memory as the person whose mistakes she needed to learn from.

Rule of Egypt

After Ptolemy XII Auletes returned what was rightfully his, Berenice's heiress was beheaded. After the death of the king, according to tradition, which called for the preservation of divine blood royal families, 17 (18)-year-old Cleopatra married her 9 (10)-year-old brother Ptolemy XIII and began to rule Egypt. True, formally, since she could only have full power in a cyclical way: in ancient times, girls were destined for a secondary role. She ascended the throne as Thea Philopator, meaning "father-loving goddess".

It is worth saying that Egypt was desirable for the Romans, despite the fact that in this country 96% of the territory is occupied by deserts. But the valleys - the fount of the Nile civilization - are famous for their exceptional fertility. Therefore, during the reign of Cleopatra, one of the most powerful empires - the Roman one - claimed the territory of Egypt: some of the outer regions of Ta-kemet belonged to the Romans, but the country itself was not completely conquered. Therefore, Egypt (besides, because of financial debts) has become a dependent state.

The first years of her reign were difficult for Cleopatra, because there was not enough food in the country: insufficient flooding of the Nile provoked a two-year crop failure. In addition, the battle for the throne began - the internecine wars of brother and sister. Initially, the queen removed her husband and ruled the country alone, but, as she grew older, Ptolemy XIII did not reconcile herself to the arbitrariness of her relative and, relying on his tutor Potin, who was also the regent and de facto ruler, organized a rebellion against Cleopatra. It was announced to the people that the girl had ceased to obey the ruling trio in the person of Potin, Theodatus and Achilles and wanted to overthrow her younger brother.

The queen fled to Syria and thus survived. Being an uninvited guest in the Middle East, the girl dreamed of regaining full power. Around the same time, the dictator and ancient Roman commander Gaius Julius Caesar went to Alexandria in order to overtake his sworn enemy Pompey: defeated in the civil war (Battle of Pharsalus), Gnaeus fled to Egypt. However, Julius was unable to get even with his opponent personally, because when the emperor arrived in the Nile Valley, Pompey had already been killed.

Caesar had to linger in Alexandria due to unfavorable conditions for the long journey. weather conditions, so the ruler of Rome did not miss the opportunity to collect the accumulated debts of Ptolemy XII Avletes from his successor (ten million denarii). So Julius took part in the conflict between the associates of Ptolemy and Cleopatra, hoping to benefit both for himself and for the Romans.

In turn, the queen needed to win the trust of Caesar, therefore, according to a beautiful legend, in order to attract the commander to her side, the resourceful girl secretly entered the Alexandrian Palace: she wrapped herself in a carpet (or in a bed bag) and ordered her faithful slave to deliver a generous gift . Julius, fascinated by the beauty of the young queen, took her side.

But it is worth noting that the commander came to Egypt with a small army (3200 soldiers and 800 horsemen). Ptolemy XIII took advantage of this circumstance. The society supported the ruler, so Julius had to hide in the royal quarter, putting his life in danger. In winter, Julius Caesar again invaded Egypt and defeated the army of supporters of Ptolemy XIII, who drowned in the Nile. Therefore, Cleopatra again ascended the throne and ruled with the young Ptolemy XIV.

Personal life

Cleopatra's personal life is still legendary. Thanks to the cinema, this ambitious girl was seen in the performance (“Cleopatra” (1963)), (“Asterix and Obelix: The Mission of Cleopatra” (2002)) and other movie actresses who played the ruler. Therefore, many believe that Cleopatra is a fatal beauty who seduced men with just one look. But, contrary to popular belief, the appearance of the Egyptian queen was rather mediocre.

What Cleopatra looked like is not known for certain. But it can be judged from some statues and from a bust from Shershell in Algeria (there is an opinion that this bust belongs to Cleopatra's daughter Selena II), as well as from the face depicted on coins, that the queen had a rather large nose and a narrow chin. But female charms and intelligence helped Cleopatra to make her faithful admirers out of men. She was not a noble person, sometimes cruelty was traced in her disposition. For example, the queen often tested poisons on prisoners and watched them die to test the effect of a dangerous potion on the body.

It was said that Cleopatra was a loving girl. In fact, indiscriminate relations between a man and a woman were not condemned in Rome and Ancient Egypt, kings and queens had several lovers and concubines. According to legend, the madmen paid with their lives to share a bed with the Nile siren: after a night with Cleopatra, their heads became trophies and were exhibited in the palace.

Beautiful legends still make up beautiful legends about the relationship between the Egyptian queen and the Roman commander Julius Caesar. Indeed, it was love at first sight. For the sake of 21-year-old Cleopatra, the emperor forgot his mistress Servilia.

After the victory over Ptolemy XIII, Cleopatra and Caesar went on a pleasure trip along the Nile, accompanied by 400 ships. June 23, 47 BC the beloved had a son, Ptolemy Caesar (Caesarion). We can say that because of the alliance with Cleopatra, Caesar brought trouble on himself. The Egyptian queen, her brother and son arrived in Rome surrounded by a large retinue. The girl was disliked because of arrogance, so they called the queen without adding a name (“I hate the queen,” Cicero wrote in his manuscript).

Those close to Caesar were sure that the dictator wanted to become the new pharaoh and make Alexandria the capital of Rome. The Romans did not like this alignment of events, for this and other reasons a conspiracy arose against Julius. March 15, 44 BC Caesar was killed. After the death of Julius, a civil war began between the Romans, in which Cleopatra did not interfere. Mark Antony was proclaimed ruler of the eastern territory of Rome.

The commander was going to accuse the queen of assisting against Caesar, but Cleopatra, knowing about Mark's amorousness and vanity, acted with female cunning. She arrived on a gilded ship full of treasures in the costume of Aphrodite and charmed the ancient Roman commander. Thus began a romance that lasted for about ten years. In 40 B.C. the lovers had twins Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene. In the autumn of 36 BC. the third child, Ptolemy Philadelphus, was born.

Death

There are many fictions about the death of Cleopatra, so it is almost impossible to restore this event with the greatest accuracy. The generally accepted version is the story that he outlined. True, his version was later interpreted in his own way by writers, because the biography of Cleopatra provided the background for romantic works. So, poems about the queen were written, and others.

Octavian Augustus, the legitimate heir to the Roman throne, arrived in Rome in the spring. The locals warmly received the young man, but the active army and Caesar's admirers stood on the side of Mark Antony. The Mutinskaya war soon followed, from which Octavian emerged victorious. When August moved towards Alexandria, Mark Antony was told the false news of the death of the queen. Mark could not stand such a tragedy, so he threw himself on his own sword. At that moment, Cleopatra, along with the servants, locked herself in the tomb; there they brought the wounded beloved of the Egyptian seductress.

Mark died in the arms of a crying girl. The queen wanted to defiantly stab herself with a dagger, but began negotiations with a subject of Octavian. The Nile siren hoped to bribe Augustus with her charms in order to restore the state, but all attempts were in vain. After the death of her beloved, Cleopatra fell into depression, starved herself and did not get out of bed. Cornelius Dolabella informed the widow that she would be exiled to Rome for Octavian's triumph.

According to ancient Roman custom, Augustus, in honor of the victory over Egypt, was going to lead Cleopatra behind a triumphal chariot, chained like a slave. But the queen managed to avoid shame: in a pot of figs, which was delivered to the palace at the behest of Cleopatra, a snake lurked - her bite gave the woman a quiet and painless death. The location of Cleopatra's mummy is still unknown, but most likely, the queen and her beloved Mark Antony were buried under the temple of the necropolis near Taposiris Magna (modern Abusir).

• Ancient alchemists believed that Cleopatra was the owner of the philosopher's stone and could turn any metal into gold.
• According to legend, the queen met Mark Antony on Cleopatra's Island, famous for its golden sand, which was brought there especially for the Egyptian seductress.

• Cleopatra was fond of cosmetology. According to rumors, the queen bathed in a bath of milk and honey. She also made creams from a mixture of herbs and lard.
• According to another version, Cleopatra was killed by poison, which she kept in a hollow hairpin.

Memory

Films:

• Cleopatra (1934)
• Caesar and Cleopatra (1945)
• Two Nights with Cleopatra (1954)
• Legions of Cleopatra (1959)
• Cleopatra (1963)
• Discovery: Queens of Ancient Egypt (TV) (2000)
• Cleopatra: Portrait of an Assassin (TV) (2009)

Books:

• Diaries of Cleopatra. Book 1. The Rise of the Queen (Margaret George)
• Cleopatra (Karin Essex)
• Cleopatra. The Last of the Ptolemies (Michael Grant)
• Cleopatra's last passion. A new novel about the Queen of Love (Natalya Pavlishcheva)

No one remembers the names of the pharaohs of Egypt, but Cleopatra is on everyone's lips. Someone considered her a courtesan, a woman of rare deceit, who caused a number of civil wars, others, on the contrary, took her as a standard of virtue.

Egyptian Aphrodite

Cleopatra came from the Greek Ptolemaic dynasty, which was founded by an associate and commander of Alexander the Great - Ptolemy. After the conquest of Egypt, he was appointed satrap (ruler) of that country.

Today, the name Cleopatra has become synonymous with beauty, but scientists cannot say anything definite about her. appearance. Writing about her unprecedented beauty begins only a couple of hundred years after her death. The most famous is the description of her by Plutarch, given in the Comparative Biographies. The Roman historian characterized Cleopatra as the owner of an irresistible charm, whose appearance, combined with the rare persuasiveness of speeches, firmly cut into the soul: “The very sounds of her voice caressed and delighted the ear, and the language was like a multi-stringed instrument, easily tuned to any tune - to any dialect ".

The historian Sextus Aurelius Victor, who was negative towards Cleopatra, wrote about her: "She was so depraved that she often prostituted, and possessed such beauty that many men paid with their death for possessing her for one night."

Since the mummy of Cleopatra has not been found, the busts are considered the most reliable source for her appearance. The most famous is a damaged bust from Shershell in Algiers, created after the death of the queen on the occasion of the wedding of her daughter. A typical Greek face with the same hooked nose and wavy hair in a bun.

Femme fatale

This is exactly what Cleopatra was like for all husbands and cohabitants, starting with her brother and first husband - King Ptolemy XIII, who at the time of accession to the kingdom was only 9 years old, while Cleopatra was already 17. For some time she ruled virtually alone, but then the courtiers seized power. Julius Caesar returned Cleopatra to the throne. When he was in Alexandria, the queen, in an attempt to enlist his support, penetrated him in a very original way.

Plutarch says that “Cleopatra, taking with her only one of her friends, Apollodorus of Sicily, got into a small boat and, at nightfall, landed near the royal palace. In order to remain unnoticed, she climbed into a bed bag and stretched out in it to her full length. Apollodorus carried him across the court to Caesar. They say that even this cunning of Cleopatra seemed bold to Caesar and captivated him.

In the dynastic struggle between sister and brother, he stood up for his sister. A civil war ensued, during which the infant king Ptolemy XIII drowned in the Nile in an attempt to escape.

Under Caesar

Thus begins the reign of Cleopatra under the Roman protectorate and her affair with Caesar, despite the fact that, in accordance with tradition, she was married to her other brother, Ptolemy XIV.

From the great commander she had a son - Caesarion ("little Caesar"), to whom she prophesied a great future. In the summer of 46 BC. Caesar summons Cleopatra to Rome, ostensibly to conclude a formal peace treaty between Rome and Egypt. He erects for her a luxurious villa in his gardens on the banks of the Tiber. Such veneration of the Egyptian queen, which could lead to the proclamation of Caesar as king, did not please the Roman senators. On March 15, 44 BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated as a result of a conspiracy.

Cleopatra left Rome and returned to Alexandria. According to the historian Josephus Flavius, there she poisoned her brother-husband, fearing an overthrow in the absence of a patron.

Anthony and Cleopatra

The novel of Antony and Cleopatra is in the top of the most legendary and tragic novels ancient world. After the death of Caesar in Rome, a struggle for power broke out between two groups: the murderers of the dictator - Cassius, Brutus, and his associates - Octavian and Mark Antony. Octavian and Antony defeated the conspirators. Anthony needed the wealth of Egypt. Having found out through trustees about the amorous and simple-minded Antony, who was more likely a brave soldier than a cunning politician, she arrived to him on a luxurious ship with a gilded stern and silver-plated oars, where she herself sat in the outfit of Aphrodite, accompanied by maids in the attire of nymphs and boys in the outfit of cupids. . Soon Antony left the army and went with Cleopatra to Alexandria.

From him, Cleopatra gave birth to three children: twins - the boy Alexander Helios, the girl Cleopatra Selene and Ptolemy Philadelphus. Antony, who was himself married to the sister of his ally Octavian, left his lawful wife and began distributing land to his illegitimate heirs. Caesarion receives the title of king of kings, Alexander receives Armenia, Ptolemy - Syria and Asia Minor, Cleopatra Selene - Cyrenaica. He made such a decision not without the influence of the queen. This signed his and Cleopatra's death warrant.

"Suicide Alliance"

The noble couple lost the decisive battle with Octavian. Right in the midst of the naval battle of Actium, Cleopatra left the battlefield with her fleet. Anthony fled after her, leaving his soldiers behind. Returning to Alexandria, they awaited Octavian's invasion, spending their time in endless feasting and entertainment. By this time, they vowed to die together. They even organized a “suicide bomber union”, whose members pledged to prefer death to captivity.

True, when the legions of Octavian entered Alexandria, only Mark Antony fulfilled the oath, throwing himself on the sword. Cleopatra, however, allowed herself to be captured, apparently in the hope that she would be able to find an approach to a new winner. This is the end of Cleopatra's story. Not wanting to repeat the fate of her sister Arsinoe, who was once led through the streets of Rome in golden chains by her ally Julius Caesar, she decided to commit suicide. It is believed that even before Octavian's invasion, she was looking for a poison that brings an easy and painless death by conducting tests on prisoners. According to the official version, her choice fell on the poison of the Egyptian cobra.

Vivien Leigh as Cleopatra in the film "Caesar and Cleopatra" (1945)

Quotes: 1. Men are not Gods... They don't need our souls. 2. Every day is like the last! 3. Never fight the strong until you yourself are just as strong! 4. On our lips and eyes was the imprint of eternity. 5. We welcome all strange and terrible events, but we despise comfortable ones.

Achievements:

Professional, social position: Cleopatra was the ruler of Egypt from 51 to 30 AD. BC.
Main contribution (what is known): Cleopatra to revive and preserve the identity of Egypt during her 21 year reign. She is the image and model of a woman who uses her mind, ingenuity and charm to conquer powerful husbands and achieve her goals.
Contributions: Cleopatra was a representative of the Hellenic aristocracy, her ancestors were Macedonians who spoke a dialect of the Greek language, however, she became the first ruler of the dynasty to learn the Egyptian language.
She also adopted and revived the customs, deities and rites of ancient Egypt. She is adopted the symbol of the Goddess Hathor, the daughter of the Sun God Ra.The goddess Isis was considered her patroness and, consequently, during her reign it was believed that she was the reincarnation and incarnation of the goddess of wisdom.
Perhaps the young queen of Egypt saved her country from becoming a province of the expanding Roman Empire.
All this contributed to the creation of the image of Cleopatra in culture, as a woman who uses her charm to conquer the most powerful men in the Western world.
The death of Cleopatra marks the end of the Hellenistic Ptolemaic period and the beginning of the Roman era in the eastern Mediterranean.

A life:

Origin: She was born in 69 BC in Alexandria. Cleopatra's father Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysus was a direct descendant of Ptolemy I Soter, general of Alexander the Great, and her mother Cleopatra V was queen of Egypt. Cleopatra was the third daughter in the family. She also had a younger sister and two younger brothers.
Education: Cleopatra received a good education, especially in the field of foreign languages. Her natural talent allowed her to master her native Greek, Egyptian, Aramaic, Ethiopian, Persian, Hebrew, the Berber language and Latin.
Main stages of activity:
Governing body: 51 BC-August 12, 30 BC
Her co-rulers:
Ptolemy XIII (51 - 47 BC)
Ptolemy XIV (47 - 44 BC)
Caesarion (44 - 30 BC)
She was the last pharaoh of the Ptolemaic dynasty, of Macedonian origin, who ruled Egypt from 304 BC. Cleopatra ruled Egypt with her two brothers and simultaneously husbands Ptolemy XIII (51 - 47 BC) and Ptolemy XIV (47 - 44 BC) and with her son, Ptolemy XV, or Caesarion ( 44 - 30 BC).
Her whole life was spent in a difficult struggle for power, in which she skillfully used her natural mind, charm and beauty.

As a child, Cleopatra was greatly impressed by the uprising of 58-55, during which her father Ptolemy XII was overthrown and expelled from Egypt, and Cleopatra's sister Berenice became queen. Later, her father was restored to the throne with the help of the Roman governor of Syria, Gabinius. Ptolemy XII began a brutal repression during which her sister Berenice also died.
When in March 51 BC. e. her father died, 18-year-old Cleopatra and her brother, 12-year-old Ptolemy XIII, began to jointly rule Egypt. In 50 BC Cleopatra entered into a serious conflict with the troops of the Roman governor Gabinius and soon lost power. She attempted to mutiny around Sin, but was defeated and forced into hiding with her sister Arsinoe.
During civil war in Rome, in 48 BC. Pompey fled from Caesar to Alexandria. By order of the 15-year-old Ptolemy, Pompey was beheaded in front of his wife and children. When Caesar arrived in Egypt two days later, Ptolemy presented him with the severed head of Pompey. And although Pompey was an enemy of Caesar, this angered him and Cleopatra immediately saw the opportunity to use Caesar's anger towards Ptolemy for her own purposes.
When they met, Caesar was struck by the mind and extraordinary beauty of Cleopatra and subsequently helped her become the sole ruler of Egypt. Ptolemy XIII died fighting against Caesar and Cleopatra was restored to the throne. She married her second brother, Ptolemy XIV, but was effectively the sole ruler of Egypt.
In 46 BC Caesar invited her to Rome. She was visiting him in Rome, just at the time when he was assassinated on March 15, 44 BC as a result of a conspiracy. In April of the same year, Cleopatra returned to Alexandria, where Ptolemy XIV soon died under mysterious circumstances. Thereafter, she made her infant son Caesarion her partner on the throne.
After 37 BC e. she and Antony jointly opposed Rome, and in 32 BC. Rome declared war on Cleopatra, seeing their alliance as a threat to the Roman Empire and Octavian.
After their defeat at the naval Battle of Actium (31 BC), Cleopatra and Antony attempted to make peace with Octavian, but were unsuccessful. Alexandria was surrendered in 30 BC and Antony and then Cleopatra committed suicide.
The main stages of personal life: In 48 BC Cleopatra met Julius Caesar, who arrived in Egypt in pursuit of Pompey. She entered Caesar's palace wrapped in a carpet that was intended as a gift for Caesar. Cleopatra skillfully took advantage of the situation and defeated Caesar with her ingenuity, courage and beauty.
Although Cleopatra was only 21 when she met Caesar and he was 52 years old, they became lovers and their love affair continued throughout Caesar's stay in Egypt from 48 to 47 BC.
Nine months after their first meeting, in 47g. BC. Cleopatra bore him a child. He was named by Ptolemy Caesar or Caesarion, meaning "little Caesar".
In 41 BC e. she agreed to meet Mark Antony on her ship at Tarsus in Cilicia. Legend has it that Cleopatra dressed up as the Roman goddess of love, Venus. She filled her ship with so many rose petals that the Romans smelled the fragrance before they saw her ship. At dusk about a loud ship of precious wood, under scarlet sails andto the sound of soft musicapproached Anthony. When night fell, bright lights flashed on the ship.
She charmed Antony and subsequently gave birth to twins for him: the boy Alexander Helios ("The Sun") and the girl Cleopatra Selene ("Moon").
Cleopatra hoped to tie Antony to her, but in the spring of 40 BC. he left Egypt. Antony returned to Rome and married Octavian's cousin Octavia. They had two daughters. But in 37 B.C. he fled back to Cleopatra.
He married her in 36 BC. and she bore him another son, Ptolemy Philadelphus (Philadelphus).
In 31 BC Cleopatra tried to negotiate with Octavian for the recognition of her children as successors to Egypt. But since in return Octavian demanded the death of Antony, Cleopatra refused. After Antony committed suicide, Cleopatra followed suit, committing suicide by snakebite on August 12, 30 BC. e.
Her son Caesarion, who was declared pharaoh, was killed on the orders of Octavian.
Personality.Cleopatra was famous for her beauty, intelligence and character, which combined imperiousness and female sexuality in an unusual way.
Cleopatra was a charming, seductive and at the same time smart and educated woman who spoke 9 languages. She was distinguished by personal courage and magnetism, and she had enough personal power to be feared by the Romans.
Dio Cassius spoke about the attractiveness of Cleopatra: “She was a woman of extraordinary beauty and in the prime of her youth, she struck with her charm. She also had the most charming voice and the knowledge of how to please everyone."
Zest: Cleopatra, had Macedonian, Greek and Iranian genes. On coins, Cleopatra is depicted in profile, with wavy hair, large eyes, a protruding chin and aquiline nose. In his Pensées, the philosopher Blaise Pascal argued that Cleopatra's classically beautiful profile changed world history: "If Cleopatra's nose were shorter, the whole face of the world would change." At the same time, some historians believed that she was not beautiful and had many masculine features.

Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, was born in 69 BC. e, and died in 30 BC. e. She lived a relatively short but bright life, leaving behind many secrets and mysteries. It has been 2 thousand years since the death of this amazing woman, and humanity can not forget her name.

The origin of Cleopatra was the most noble. She belonged to the Ptolemaic dynasty, who ruled Egypt for 300 years. The founder of the dynasty was Ptolemy Lag or Ptolemy I, son of Lag. He was a military leader under Alexander the Great, and after his death he founded a separate state in Egypt - the so-called Hellenistic Egypt with its capital in the city of Alexandria.

Under Ptolemy Laga, the Library of Alexandria began to be created and the lighthouse of Alexandria, which today is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was almost completely built. The descendants continued the work of the parent. They breathed into ancient Egypt new life and turned it into a strong rich power with an educated and highly cultured population.

In the Ptolemaic dynasty, it was considered obligatory to marry between siblings. That is, there was incest. At that time, this was considered a common practice among the pharaohs and Macedonian kings. So the Ptolemies did not invent anything new. Having taken possession of the royal crown, they adopted this tradition from crowned persons who have been practicing this for thousands of years.

It is believed that with incest, the genus gradually degenerates. But, as practice has proven, nothing of the kind happened among the Ptolemies. Three hundred years the closest relatives gave birth from each other. At the same time, no terrible hereditary diseases were observed. All crowned persons were healthy both in body and head. A vivid proof of this is Cleopatra - the product of 300 years of incest.

Childhood of Cleopatra

When she was born, Hellenistic Egypt was already in decline. The dynasty was torn apart by endless feuds for the throne, and in the north the Roman Republic was rapidly gaining strength. Reigned at this time Ptolemy XII is the father of our heroine. He became very close friends with the Romans, which later caused the death of the power entrusted to him.

Cleopatra had two sisters: the elder Berenice and the younger Arsinoe. They played a certain role in the fate of our heroine. It all started in 58 BC. e, when the Roman legions landed in Cyprus. The island had close ties with Egypt, as it was also ruled by representatives of the Ptolemaic dynasty. But Ptolemy XII, bound by obligations with the Roman Republic, did not support the population of Cyprus.

This caused a storm of indignation in Alexandria. The angry people were ready to tear the king to pieces, and he fled to Rome, taking Cleopatra with him. The eldest daughter Berenice remained in the capital. She proclaimed herself queen, becoming Berenice IV in 58 BC. e. Ancient historians note that this woman had a very beautiful appearance, but her intellect left much to be desired.

In 55 BC. e. Egypt was invaded by Roman troops led by Avlom Gabiniem- a prominent politician of the republic, but a bribe-taker and a swindler. His task was to return power to Ptolemy XII. Alexandria was taken by storm, and the exiled king regained power. With the support of Gabinius, he massacred Alexandria and destroyed all his political opponents.

Berenice IV was beheaded by Roman legionnaires and delivered to her father on a golden tray. Ptolemy XII took only one look at what was left of his daughter. But our heroine, who was hiding very close at that time, very carefully examined the head. The bloody scene made an indelible impression on the 14-year-old girl.

The beginning of the reign

Relations with the father of the future queen were very good. In 51 B.C. e. the king fell seriously ill. Sensing the near end, he appointed Cleopatra as co-ruler. At this time she was 18 years old. Having received the title of queen, the girl began to be called Cleopatra VII.

Soon Ptolemy XII died, and her own younger brother became the co-ruler of the young queen. Ptolemy XIII. At the time of coming to power, the boy was 10 years old. Subsequently, the brother and sister had to give birth to heirs so that they would continue the royal family. But fate decreed otherwise.

The newly-made queen did not have any feelings for her younger brother. He also treated his sister with coolness. A circle of ambitious subjects formed around the boy. Their desire was quite understandable - to rule the country on behalf of the child. But our heroine confused all the cards.

Coin depicting Cleopatra

The queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, was distinguished by her extraordinary mind and strong character. There was no way for her to push around. The girl aspired to absolute power. She also wanted to rid the country of Roman dependence and turn Egypt into a strong power, which it was under the first Ptolemies.

Surrounded by the young king, the eunuch Potin and the tutor of the boy Theodatus set the tone. They had a huge influence on Ptolemy XIII and dreamed of uncontrolled and absolute power. Skillfully playing on the ambitions of other subjects, these people organized a conspiracy. His goal was to kill Cleopatra. But the young queen found out in time about the impending crime. In 48 BC. e. she, along with her younger sister Arsinoe, fled by ship to the lands of Syria.

Here the queen managed to gather a mercenary army by borrowing money from local rulers and merchants. The girl had amazing charm and eloquence. Men were thrilled in front of her and could not refuse money. As a result, Cleopatra VII stood at the head of a fairly strong military unit.

Her combat detachments quickly marched towards Alexandria. They reached the Nile Delta and ended up near the fortress of Pelusius, where the troops of Ptolemy XIII blocked their path. But while the opponents were preparing for battle, fate made its own adjustments.

In the Roman Republic at that time there was a struggle for power between Gnaeus Pompey and Julius Caesar. Once upon a time, these two people were allies and fought together against the Senate. But everything flows, everything changes. Pompey and Caesar found themselves on opposite sides of the barricades, as they became leaders of completely different political forces. The first expressed the interests of the wealthy aristocracy (nobility), and the second stood up for the plebs.

In the summer of 48 BC. e. between these political opponents there was a battle at Pharsalus. Gnaeus Pompey suffered a crushing defeat. He ran from the winner. At first he ended up on the island of Lesbos, then in Cyprus, and from there he went to Egypt, counting on his military assistance.

At that moment, when the troops of the exiled Egyptian queen and her younger brother were about to enter into a bloody confrontation, the unfortunate Roman commander appeared on a ship near Pelusium. He was met by those close to Ptolemy XIII: Potin, Theodatus and the commander of Achilles.

But Pompey hoped in vain for help. They don't like losers, but they always bow their heads to the winners. Therefore, in order to earn the favor and sympathy of Caesar, the Egyptians killed the once formidable and great Pompey.

After 3 days, Guy Julius Caesar himself appears in Alexandria. The entourage of the Egyptian king helpfully presented him with the severed head of a former political opponent. They counted on the favor of the Roman leader, but the reaction was just the opposite.

Only Caesar could decide what to do with Pompey. The Egyptians, on the other hand, showed an unhealthy initiative and did not at all take into account the character of a proud and powerful person. With their short-sighted and stupid actions, they irritated the dictator. But he was an experienced politician, so he did not outwardly show his anger. He needed to first understand the political situation prevailing in Egypt, and only then make specific decisions.

According to Roman custom, the body and head of the slain were cremated and interred with honors. The ashes were buried near the walls of Alexandria, and a sanctuary dedicated to Nemesis was erected on this site. In Greek mythology, Nemesis is the goddess of vengeance. The Romans also revered this goddess, leaving her name unchanged, although the names of other Greek gods were renamed in their own way. By erecting a sanctuary, they, as it were, emphasized that they would take revenge on the Egyptians for the death of Pompey.

Love affair between Caesar and Cleopatra

Soon, Caesar understands the prevailing opposition in the country. He declares that he takes on the role of arbitrator and will try to sort out the feuds between the king and queen. A messenger is sent to Cleopatra with a proposal to appear in Alexandria and meet with the Roman dictator. The girl has no choice but to give consent. But she cannot openly appear in the city, as she is afraid of being killed by her brother's henchmen.

The exit, however, is quickly found. The queen boards a boat with her devoted admirer Apollodorus and thus ends up in Alexandria. But you still need to get into the palace and see the formidable Roman commander. This task is quite difficult, since there are a lot of people of Ptolemy XIII in the palace chambers, and they all know the girl by sight.

Cleopatra climbs into a large bag intended for bed linen, Apollodorus throws it on his shoulder and freely passes into the premises where Gaius Julius Caesar is.

Cleopatra appears before Caesar, a carpet lies at her feet. Allegedly, in it the queen was carried to the palace by her faithful man. In fact, she was carried in a bedding bag.

The young queen appears before a formidable dictator and makes an indelible impression on a mature man who has already exchanged fifty dollars. The Roman is fascinated, but political interests are above all. However, he has long decided to bet on the queen, moreover, this is fully consistent with the royal will of the late Ptolemy XII.

The next morning, the dictator tells the young king that he considers Cleopatra the rightful heir to the throne and sees no reason to deprive her of her royal dignity. The crowned boy is furious. He runs out of the palace and shouts to the crowd standing in the square that the Romans have betrayed him. People are starting to get worried. But Caesar comes out to them and reads the will of the deceased king. The people calm down and disperse.

Ptolemy XIII has no choice but to come to terms with the decision of the dictator, but the eunuch Potin decides to turn the tide. He, on behalf of the young king, raises the Egyptian troops to fight the Romans. All this translates into hostilities both on land and at sea. The result is a great fire in Alexandria. At the same time it burns most of priceless manuscripts kept in the Library of Alexandria.

Roman legionnaires ruthlessly crush the uprising, and the eunuch is captured and taken to the dictator. He orders his execution, and the political situation in the city is temporarily normalized. But soon a new uprising flares up, as the locals are not happy with the behavior of the legionnaires. Those openly rob the population, rape women, that is, they behave like real invaders, not allies.

This uprising is already led by the young tsar. The people are pushing the legionnaires, and they are surrounded in royal palace. Caesar finds himself in a very difficult situation. Cleopatra is with him, as the relationship between the dictator and the young queen has long ceased to be official and has become close and intimate.

The Romans are saved by the legions, which have come in time from the province of Asia. This is the territory of the former Kingdom of Pergamon, located in the north-west of Asia Minor (today known as the historical region of Mysia).

Fresh Roman troops force the Egyptians to retreat from the city. They camp near the Nile River, which is a strategic mistake. Legionnaires attack the place of deployment of the troops of the young king, and they suffer a crushing defeat.

This historical event takes place in mid-January 47 BC. e. Ptolemy XIII, with his surviving adherents, is trying to flee the country. They have several ships, but the main Egyptian fleet recognizes Cleopatra VII as queen. The rebel ships cannot break through the blockade and sink. Together with everyone, the young king also dies. At the time of his death, he was not yet 15 years old.

Power over Egypt is concentrated in the hands of the young queen. She appoints her youngest sibling as her co-ruler Ptolemy XIV. In 47 BC. e. he is just turning 13 years old.

The new rulers hold lavish celebrations. A huge fleet of 400 festively decorated ships sails down the Nile. The crowned brother and sister and Julius Caesar are standing on the deck of one of them. The people rejoice and rejoice. Finally, the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, receives full power. True, she is limited by the Roman protectorate, but this only plays into the hands of a young woman. 3 legions remain at its disposal (a legion is a military unit of about 5 thousand people).

Gaius Julius Caesar

In early June, the dictator departs for Rome, and literally 3 weeks later, the young queen begins to contract. She gives birth to a boy and names him Ptolemy Caesar. The entire royal environment understands whose child this is. They give him a nickname Caesarion. It is with him that the boy enters history.

A year passes, and Julius Caesar summons his crowned brothers and sister to Rome. There is a formal reason for this. Conclusion of an alliance between the Roman Republic and Egypt. But the real reason is that the dictator missed his beloved.

In the capital, visitors are given a luxurious villa surrounded by gardens on the banks of the Tiber River. Here the beloved of the dictator receives the Roman nobility. Everyone is in a hurry to pay their respects to the queen, because this also means respect to Caesar.

But there are many people in Rome who are greatly annoyed by this. The situation is aggravated by the fact that an elderly lover ordered to make a statue of his favorite. He ordered to place it next to the altar of the goddess Venus.

A happy existence lasts a little over two and a half years. In mid-March 44 B.C. e. Roman dictator assassinated by conspirators. A month later, the Egyptian king and queen leave Rome. They return to Alexandria in July, and already at the end of August, Ptolemy XIV dies at the age of 16. The death of a young man is directly associated with Cleopatra. She had a son from Caesar who could legally become a co-ruler. Therefore, the brother was no longer needed. It can be assumed that this is indeed the case, given the mores of those distant times.

Love affair of Mark Antony and Cleopatra

After the assassination of Julius Caesar in the Roman Republic, a struggle began between the two political forces. On the one hand, the murderer of the dictator Mark Junius Brutus and one of the main organizers of the conspiracy, Gaius Cassius, fought for power, and on the other, the Caesarians: Mark Antony and future first Roman emperor Octavian Augustus.

This internecine war could not but affect Egypt, since hostilities took place in the eastern part of the Mediterranean. Even a relatively young queen, it was necessary to show political flexibility and wisdom in order not to make a mistake in her choice and support those forces that could subsequently win.

At first, Cleopatra made a bet on the assassins of Caesar and supported Gaius Cassius. But she did this not openly, but through her viceroy in Cyprus. However, in 42 B.C. e. The conspirators were defeated at the Battle of Philippi. Cassius committed suicide, and after 3 weeks Brutus committed the same thing to himself.

The victory was won by the supporters of the murdered dictator. The queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, could not stand aside and wait for what policy Rome would begin to pursue against her. In 41 BC. e. she boards a ship and sails to Cilicia. This is the southeastern region of Asia Minor. In it with his legions is Mark Antony. He is preparing to march against the Parthians.

While living in Rome, the queen occasionally met with this man, since he was part of Caesar's entourage. Cleopatra tends to understand people well. About Antonia she had long ago composed general idea. He is extremely vain, loves external brilliance and does not let a single pretty woman pass by.

Mark Antony

Mark Antony is younger than Caesar. In 41 BC. e. he is 42 years old. Cleopatra is 28 years old. They are perfect for each other in age. The queen furnishes the first meeting very luxuriously. She did not spare money for the expensive decoration of the ship, to which she invited the Roman leader.

From this meeting begins a passionate love affair between Antony and the Egyptian queen. It has been going on for almost 11 years, but it is difficult to say what prevailed in it: love or sober political calculation. The woman needed the political loyalty of Rome, and her lover needed money to support his legionnaires.

But be that as it may, the Roman's feelings were so strong that he left the army in Asia Minor, and he himself went to Alexandria with his beloved. For 6 whole months they indulged idle life enjoying feasts and amorous pastimes.

However, feelings are feelings, and politics is politics. In 40 BC. e. The Parthians invaded the lands of the Roman Republic. They captured the south of Asia Minor and Syria. Mark Antony leaves his mistress and hurries to the place of hostilities, but is defeated by the Parthians and leaves for Rome. AT " eternal city"He decides political and personal affairs, and Cleopatra at this time begins a new stage in life.

The fact is that in 40 BC. e. she gives birth to two twins from her new lover: a boy and a girl. The first one gets a name Alexander Helios, and the second is called Cleopatra Selena. Helios means "Sun" and Selene means "Moon".

Only at the end of 37 BC. e. lovers meet again. Mark Antony starts a campaign against the Parthians and arrives in Antioch (a city in the southeastern part of Asia Minor). The queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, also hurries there. This time, her lover is lucky. He defeats the Parthian troops, liberates the territories occupied by them and establishes Roman rule in them. In particular, the Great Herod becomes the king of Judea with the full support of Anthony.

Egypt also benefits from this. Cleopatra is given the previously selected Cyprus, as well as several large cities on the Syrian and Cilician coasts. The possessions of the Ptolemaic dynasty are expanding significantly and are almost approaching the borders that were under Ptolemy Lage. That is, the cherished dream of a woman is being fulfilled - to gain absolute power and make the state as powerful as it was under the first Ptolemies.

But the further course of events crosses out a lot. At the end of 37 B.C. e. Anthony begins a campaign against the Parthians, which ends with the complete defeat of the Roman army by the spring of next year.

Cleopatra at this time gives birth to another child from Antony. A boy is born and given a name Ptolemy Philadelphus. All this does not please Rome at all. The future first Roman emperor Octavian Augustus sends his wife Octavia, who is the sister of Augustus, to Mark Antony. But it only goes as far as Greece. Here she is met by a messenger from her husband, who demands that his wife immediately return to Rome. The reason for such a categorical requirement was the Egyptian queen. She told her lover that she would commit suicide if his wife came.

In 35 BC. e. Mark Anthony attacks Armenia, inflicts a crushing defeat on the troops of King Artavazd II and places his protege Atropatene on the Armenian throne. But the victorious triumph (the solemn procession of the winners) is celebrated not in Rome, but in Alexandria. At the same time, the mistress and their common children march next to the winner.

After that, the situation worsens even more. The presumptuous lover proclaims his son Ptolemy Philadelphus the king of Armenia. Alexander Helios is assigned the lands of Asia Minor and Syria. Cleopatra Selene's insane father gives Cyrenaica (a region in North Africa), and Caesarion is proclaimed the king of kings.

All this causes in Rome at first indignation, and then fury. It can already be seen with the naked eye that Anthony breaks with the republic and follows the lead of the Egyptian queen.

The further course of events characterizes a love couple only from the negative side. They behave defiantly and completely cease to reckon with the Roman Republic. Apparently Cleopatra was dizzy from success, and she lost her political flair. Her lover was generally stunned by an excess of feelings. Trampling all Roman traditions and norms, he recognizes the Egyptian queen as his wife and bequeaths to bury himself after death in Alexandria. This act discredits Antony in the eyes of the Roman citizens, and his authority plummets.

Octavian August

In 32 BC. e. Octavian Augustus declares war on the Egyptian queen. He loudly declares that this insidious woman sexually enslaved their former faithful companion and is the concentration of all earthly evil. The statement of the future emperor causes understanding and approval among the Romans.

To protect Roman virtue, legions are called in from the outskirts of the Republic. At the head of this army is Mark Vipsanius Agrippa. This is the closest friend and peer of Augustus. They were born in the same year - 63 BC. e. These people are 6 years younger than Cleopatra, but they understand politics more and have not lost their heads from success.

Lovers equip a large army, since the financial capabilities of the Egyptian queen are in no way inferior to those of Rome. They have a huge fleet of 700 ships and strong ground forces. But Antony acts sluggishly and indecisively. He is concentrating his military forces on the shores of Western Greece in order to attack Italy from there. However, the troops of Agrippa landed a little north in Epirus (western lands Ancient Greece) and thwarted all the plans of lovers.

Agrippa blocked the Egyptian fleet in the Gulf of Ambracia. The lovers decide to break through. In the early days of September 31 BC. e. famous Naval Battle of Cape Actium. The task of the Egyptians was to break through the Roman blockade. On the whole, they succeeded. The queen and her lover managed to sail into the open sea with part of the ships. But the main part of the fleet failed to break through. The ground forces were also without support. All these forces surrendered to Agrippa, and went over to his side.

The further course of events indicates that Mark Antony is completely morally decomposed. He lost all desire to resist the troops of Augustus. He turned into a lethargic and weak-willed person who crossed the 50-year milestone. At that time, this age was considered already respectable and almost senile.

In the early spring of 30 B.C. e. Roman troops landed in Egypt. Immediately began a massive transition to their side of the queen's regular troops. No one resisted the invaders. Even the death penalty of some military leaders and members of their families did not help.

It all ended on August 1, 30 BC. when the Roman legions entered Alexandria. Queen Cleopatra of Egypt locked herself with 2 maids in a tomb recently built for herself. Mark Antony, learning about this, thought that his mistress had committed suicide and, according to Roman tradition, threw himself on the sword. However, he did not die immediately and managed to reach the tomb, where, as he thought, he would find the corpse of his beloved. But she, in full health, rushed to the mortally wounded Anthony, and he expired in her arms.

After that, the woman who lost her royal power took a dagger in her hands, demonstrating her readiness to die. But she was stopped by the voices of the Roman legionnaires. Augustus ordered them to deliver Cleopatra to him alive and well. The debunked queen did not resist the soldiers. She gave them her weapon and resigned herself to fate.

Most likely, there was a hope in her soul to negotiate with Augustus. Perhaps she hoped to keep the kingdom for herself. But without five minutes, the emperor turned out to be more resistant to female charms than Caesar and Antony. It must also be taken into account that the woman was already 38 years old. She gave birth to 4 children. All this had a negative effect on her appearance.

Octavian did not succumb to the charms of our heroine, but behaved calmly and politely with her. He allowed Anthony to be buried, and then ordered to be in the royal chambers with a doctor and maids. However, he did not say a word about her future.

The debunked queen of Egypt had many admirers and admirers. One of them told her in great confidence about Octavian's plans. He planned to go to Rome in a few days and take the temptress Anthony with him to lead her during the triumph in shackles through the streets of the "eternal city".

For an arrogant and domineering woman, such a shame was considered worse than death. In addition, it was the collapse of all her hopes, and life lost all meaning. A proud representative of the Ptolemaic dynasty decides to commit suicide.

Suicide of Cleopatra and her devoted servants

August 30, 30 B.C. e. Egyptian queen Cleopatra takes poison, which was prudently hidden many days ago in personal belongings. She dies on a luxurious bed, and with her two devoted servants go to another world.

The legionnaires who burst into the chambers find only lifeless bodies. August falls into despair, because now the victorious triumph loses all charm. He orders to make a statue of a woman from clay. It goes in 2 months in a cart through the streets of Rome to the enthusiastic cries of the crowd.

The fate of the children of the Egyptian queen is unenviable. Augustus Octavian ordered the execution of Caesar's son Caesarion (Ptolemy XV). The act is not very beautiful, since Augustus himself appeared adopted son dictator. The young man died at the age of 17 a week earlier than his mother. Ptolemy XV is officially considered the last pharaoh of ancient Egypt..

The children of Mark Antony were paraded through the streets of Rome in shackles in a triumph. Among the citizens of Rome, such a mockery of small and weak people aroused indignation. Augustus, in order to justify himself in the eyes of the people, had no choice but to give them up for the upbringing of Octavia, his own sister and widow of the late Mark Anthony.

In 29 B.C. e. at the age of 11, Alexander Helios dies from an unknown disease. After 3 months, at the age of 7, another Ptolemy Philadelphus goes into the world. Only Cleopatra Selena lives to be 46 years old. In 20 BC. e, when she becomes an adult 20-year-old girl, she is married to the ruler of Mauretania (not to be confused with Mauritania). This is a state in North Africa - today the western regions of Algeria. Selena becomes queen like her mother. Her profile is immortalized on coins.

The further course of history is filled with various important events. Egypt loses its independence and becomes a Roman province. In 27 B.C. e. power in the Roman Republic undergoes a significant restoration. Octavian August founds principate and, in fact, becomes the first emperor ancient rome. Approximately 15 years later, Jesus Christ is born. Next comes new era human civilization, in which people live to this day.

Conclusion

The queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, was undoubtedly an extraordinary person. At the same time, contemporaries describe her appearance rather reservedly. The woman had a large nose, a heavy chin. But the figure was distinguished by harmony and grace. Added to this is a deep voice and intelligent penetrating eyes.

As a child, a representative of the Ptolemaic dynasty received an excellent education. She was fluent in 6 languages, well versed in poetry, knew medicine and mathematics. All this speaks of the desire for self-knowledge, since the ancient Greeks never sought to give their daughters versatile knowledge.

Such Cleopatra is presented in Hollywood

Our heroine was well versed in men and had great charm, which successfully compensated for some flaws in her appearance. But, along with the mind, the woman had an extremely developed vanity. It, in the end, ruined an outstanding personality. She wanted to become the queen of the entire Mediterranean, relying on Mark Anthony.

He was unable to implement the plans of his mistress. Yes, and the Roman Republic, which was in its heyday, would never have bowed its head to the proud Egyptian with Greek heredity. All this was the cause of the death of an ambitious woman.

If she had directed the energy of her lover in a different direction, then the story could have been completely different. But in this case, the current generations of people would not know anything about the mysterious queen of fabulous antiquity. It is very difficult to achieve the memory of descendants. To do this, you need to do something grandiose and unusual. Cleopatra succeeded in this to the fullest, which is why she has been remembered for 2 thousand years.