Cleopatra, an Egyptian Queen was one of the most famous women in history. She ruled ancient Egypt for 21 long years. She was the last Pharaoh of Egypt. Her full name was Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator. From the age of 14 to 18 she co-ruled Egypt together with her father Ptolemy XII.
Her father died when she was 18 years old leaving the throne to Cleopatra and her younger brother Ptolemy XIII. Her brother was only 10 years old at that time. She married her brother according to Egyptian culture and became a co-ruler. She quickly took control as the main ruler.
Quick Facts: –
- Cleopatra was born in Egypt but was actually a Macedonian Greek. She was the first ruler who learned to speak and write in Egyptian.
- She was a real linguistic person. She knew at least 9 different languages.
- Ptolemaic Egypt was one of the greatest powers of that time.
- She has been more renowned for her intellect than her beauty.
- Cleopatra studied various different subjects like mathematics, philosophy, astronomy, oratory etc.
- It is believed by most of the historians that Cleopatra was responsible for killing all three of her own siblings.
- She made an ally of the ruler of Rome Julius Caesar. She gave birth to Caesar’s son.
- She lived in Rome as Caesar’s mistress and returned to Egypt after his assassination in 44 BC.
- After that, she married another powerful Roman leader, Mark Antony and they had three children together.
- Mark Antony committed suicide when he was given the false news of Cleopatra’s death.
- When Cleopatra heard that Antony was dead she also killed herself by allowing a poisonous Cobra bite her.
- Cleopatra’s son was killed at the age of 17 on the order of Octavian who was the adoptive child of Julius Caesar.
