Cleopatra

Cleopatra VII was known for the love she had of her country, a love so great that would lead her to any means necessary for the good of it. She was born into a Macedonian family who had power and rule over Egypt. They were descended from Ptolemy I, a general of Alexander the Great who became king of Egypt after Alexander's death in 323 BC.

It was said by many, Cleopatra was beautiful and irresistible. She was a cultured woman who could speak many different languages, knew about geography, and follow along with the best in politics. For this time period, it was quite rare for a woman to be both educated and attractive. She did what ever she had to for her beloved country. Cleopatra did not get along with her brother at all. She needed to find a companion much like herself. She would eventually marry both Caesar and Antony. Many speculate if it was for love, or if she was only doing it for the good of her country.

There were many conflicts over power between Cleopatra and Ptolemy. Using the power of the courts to help him, Ptolemy was trying to achieve full control of Egypt for himself and drive Cleopatra out. Cleopatra was not one of the courts favorites, for she had upset them by some of her actions. For this they were leaning towards handing all control to Ptolemy. In 48 BC, encouraged by his minister Pothinus, Ptolemy assumed control of the government and drove Cleopatra from the throne.

In a short period of time, Cleopatra would once again reclaim her throne. She relied on the help of Julius Caesar. Cleopatra was in desperate need of help with her kingdom and Caesar was in pursuit of Pompey. Pompey had fled to Egypt to get away from Caesar. Caesar in pursuit of Pompey follows him. Ptolemy hearing Caesar wants Pompey dead, has his army kill Pompey on arrival. This you would think make Caesar happy, but in turn did the opposite. Caesar was furious, he wanted to be the one to take Pompey's life. Looking for the man who killed his rival, Caesar happens to meet Cleopatra. He immediately falls in love, and the two soon become lovers. For her he will do anything. Caesar tries to help Cleopatra regain control of the kingdom. During this, Ptolemy somehow mysteriously dies in 48 B.C. Soon after this, Cleopatra is crowned the queen of Egypt.

Caesar stayed with Cleopatra for a year after that, reigning Egypt. Thye were lovers, and soon became parents during that year. They had a child by the name of Caesarian. Caesar recognized this child as his son and it is thought he would be recognized as the heir of his Empire. In 46 BC Cleopatra visited Rome with her newborn son to visit Caesar. She stayed in the city until the year Caesar was assassinated.

Now that Cleopatra has married her younger brother she must share power with him. She and this brother did no better sharing power with each other. In 44 BC after she returned to Egypt, she ordered the death of her brother. This may have been done so for two reasons: so that her own son could eventually become the sole heir to the Egyptian throne or so Cleopatra could be in complete control. She could chose Caesarian be her co-regent. In doing this she would be recognized as queen, but because her child was so young she would have to share power with no one. Knowing this she looked for someone new and eventually falls in love with Mark Antony, the next great figure of Rome.

Antony requested Cleopatra's presence at Tarsus, and was immediately captivated by her. To impress Antony, Cleopatra arrived on a barge where she herself was dressed as Aphrodite, the goddess of love. In 40 BC Cleopatra had his twins. Antony returned to Rome on business and eventually married Octavia, the sister of Octavian. This marriage seemed to be to gain power in Rome, and nothing more. Their marriage didn't last long though, for three years later he left his wife and children to be with Cleopatra. In 37 BC, Antony and Cleopatra were married. "The conquest of Rome's greatest remaining foes, the glory of the greatest triumph would leave Antony supreme in the empire, above any criticism" (Huzar, 168). He then appointed Cleopatra ruler of Egypt, Cyprus, Crete and Syria. Cleopatra birthed another child to Antony. They now had three children