Cleopatra: the last Pharaoh

Cleopatra lived from 69 BCE to 30 BCE

(Before Common Era dating system counts years backwards).

She was born in Egypt.

In the history books, Cleopatra’s name shines brightly. She’s a symbol of intelligence, power, and courage.

Cleopatra – the last Pharaoh – left legacies that still reach us through the sands of time… 

Her story begins like this…

Once upon a time in Ancient Egypt, there lived a princess whom people worshiped as a goddess.

Back then, in 51 BCE, Egypt was one of the most powerful civilizations in the world. A king, known as a Pharaoh, ruled over this land of pyramids. 

When Cleopatra’s father died, her turn came to lead alongside her younger brother. However, Cleopatra fled her home, fearing her brother might harm her to become the only Pharaoh. 

Around this time, a Roman general arrived in Egypt 

His name was Julius Caesar. 

Cleopatra snuck into the palace and into Caesar’s room. Revealing her true identity, she bewitched the mighty conqueror with her wit and charm. She convinced him to help her rule Egypt, instead of seizing control for Rome.

And so, Cleopatra made an ally of the Roman Empire, the most powerful empire of her time.

Cleopatra and Caesar fell in love and had a son. But their happy days didn’t last long. When Caesar returned to Rome, the other leaders turned against him and killed him. One of those leaders was his own friend, Brutus. 

A war began over the Roman Empire

All was not lost for Cleopatra. Another Roman general, Mark Anthony, avenged Caesar by defeating Brutus.

Then, he sought Cleopatra to keep the ties between the Roman Empire and Egypt; he believed they were stronger together. 

Later, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony fell in love and had children. But trouble was brewing again. While Mark Anthony was in Egypt, Caesar’s nephew, Octavian, became Rome’s new ruler. 

Even though Octavian was the legal heir, Cleopatra wanted her son with Caesar to rule Rome. Unfortunately, her quest for power met a tragic end.

Cleopatra and Mark Anthony battled Octavian, but his navy was stronger and he beat them. 

The end of Pharaohs

Octavian seized control of Egypt, ending thousands of years of Pharaoh’s ruling. 

Realizing they couldn’t escape, Mark Anthony took his own life.

Before Octavian could parade Cleopatra through the streets as a slave, she decided to meet her fate her own way. She wanted to be remembered as a queen.

Legend says she asked a servant to bring her a viper, hidden in a basket of figs. According to Egyptian religion, death by snakebite would make her soul immortal. Although a snake cannot grant immortality, Cleopatra’s story did continue through the years and even reached you today.

Cleopatra became an immortal icon

Cleopatra is famous for many things, but here are the big ones:

She learned how to convince others

The history books say she had a gift for making people feel special – they felt like the most important person in the world when she talked to them. That’s how she won the support of Caesar, Mark Anthony, and her citizens.

Although Cleopatra was good at convincing people, she couldn’t always get them to agree with her. Sometimes, other people had their own ideas and goals that didn’t match hers. 

Everything about her seemed magical

From the way she dressed to the way she listened, Cleopatra struck people as a goddess.

She loved to entertain her guests with lavish parties and feasts, just like a goddess would. Visiting her felt like entering a world of riches and enchantment.

She helped people get an education

Cleopatra helped build schools and libraries so her citizens could prosper. She also made sure scientists and writers had what they needed to do their work. Besides that, she helped expand the Library of Alexandria, one of the wonders of the ancient world.