Study of the Domain
IDEA
History is often a tale of triumph and tragedy, of love and betrayal
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Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator
Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (70/69 BC – 10 August 30 BC) was the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, renowned for her intelligence and political acumen. She played a crucial role in the politics of the ancient Mediterranean, seeking to maintain Egypt's independence amid the power struggles of the Roman Republic. Her legacy as a powerful and enigmatic figure has persisted through the ages, inspiring countless works of art, literature, and popular culture.
Her rise to power occurred after her father, Ptolemy XII Auletes, passing away in 51 BC. While she grew up speaking Hellenistic Greek like other Ptolemies, Cleopatra stood out by also learning the Egyptian language, connecting with the people she governed like never before.
Cleopatra ascended to the throne alongside her brother and husband, Ptolemy XIII. Since Ptolemy XIII was only 12 years old at the time, his acts of governance were mediated by the regent Pothinus. In the spring of 48 BC, Pothinus and Ptolemy XIII attempted to depose Cleopatra, sparking a civil war. During this tumultuous period, Julius Caesar (100BC – 44 BC), back then a Roman consul on the brink of becoming a dictator, intervened in Egyptian affairs. Despite attempts to reconcile Cleopatra and her brother, Caesar ultimately sided with Cleopatra, leading to her victory in the ensuing civil war and the death of Ptolemy XIII.
Cleopatra's alliance with Caesar extended beyond politics, as they began a romantic relationship that resulted in the birth of Caesar's only son, Caesarion. The queen even visited Rome as a 'client guest', an unprecedented situation in which a ruler in charge of Egypt was absent from the country for an extended period. Numerous records from this period can be found in Roman art, testimonies of fascination. Following Caesar's assassination, she swiftly departed from Rome.
Subsequently, Cleopatra met Mark Antony (83 BC – 30 BC), a member of the Roman triumvirate, in Tarsus, Cilicia. Their relationship deepened, and they eventually married in Egyptian rites, further solidifying Cleopatra's ties to Rome. However, their union sparked conflict with Octavian (63 BC – 14 AD) - adopted son and heir of Julius Caesar -, leading to the ending of the Roman Republic and to the war against Cleopatra in 32 BC. After Antony's defeat and subsequent suicide in 30 BC, Cleopatra found out about Octavian's plans to take her to Rome as a trophy. Rather than face humiliation, she chose to end her own life by poisoning herself.
Cleopatra's influence transcends history, as evidenced by her presence in ancient documents, art, and culture. From Antiquity to modern times, her story continues to captivate and inspire, cementing her status as one of the most iconic figures of the Ancient World.
From this perspective, “UNVEILING CLEOPATRA” as an Information Science project aims at establishing an informational network to provide a multidimensional view of the figure of Cleopatra and her historical, cultural, and artistic significance. By examining different types of items associated with her, the project endeavors to paint a vivid and nuanced picture of this iconic figure and her complex role in the ancient Mediterranean world.
This project was born to serve as a resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, offering insights into the multifaceted nature of Cleopatra's persona and her lasting impact on history, culture, and the arts.
The digital asset is available at this repository.
