Summary

Cleopatra, the last queen of Egypt, a name synonymous with beauty, power, and intrigue, remains a captivating figure in history. This biography delves into the life of Cleopatra VII, separating fact from the fiction that has accumulated over two millennia. Schiff challenges the traditional portrayal of Cleopatra as a mere seductress, emphasizing her political acumen, linguistic talents, and ability to navigate the treacherous world of Roman politics. Born into the Ptolemaic dynasty, a lineage marked by both opulence and familial violence, Cleopatra inherited a kingdom in decline, overshadowed by the growing power of Rome.

At eighteen, she ascended to the throne with her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, but their joint rule quickly devolved into a power struggle. Cleopatra's attempts to consolidate her authority led to her expulsion from Egypt, forcing her to raise an army in exile. Her dramatic return, famously concealed in a rolled-up carpet, marked her introduction to Julius Caesar, the Roman general who would change the course of her life. Cleopatra's charm and political savvy captivated Caesar, and their alliance, cemented by the birth of their son, Caesarion, proved crucial in securing her return to power and solidifying her position as a key player in Mediterranean affairs.

Cleopatra's reign was marked by shrewd political maneuvering, skillful diplomacy, and a dedication to the prosperity of her kingdom. She faced challenges from within her own court, from rival siblings, and from the ever-present threat of Roman intervention. Her ability to adapt to changing political landscapes, her command of multiple languages, and her understanding of both Egyptian and Roman cultures allowed her to navigate these complexities with remarkable skill. Cleopatra's relationships with Caesar and, later, Mark Antony, were not simply love affairs but complex political alliances that shaped the balance of power in the Mediterranean world.

Following Caesar's assassination, Cleopatra aligned herself with Mark Antony, a relationship that produced three more children and further solidified her control over Egypt. Their lavish lifestyle, extravagant displays of wealth, and public declarations of power ultimately led to their downfall. Octavian, Caesar's adopted son and heir, used their relationship as propaganda to incite a war against Cleopatra, framing her as a threat to Roman virtue and stability. The Battle of Actium, a naval engagement in which Cleopatra and Antony were defeated, marked the beginning of the end of their reign.

Cleopatra's final days were marked by a desperate attempt to negotiate with Octavian, to preserve her kingdom for her children. Faced with imminent capture and the humiliation of being paraded through the streets of Rome as a captive, Cleopatra chose suicide, a death shrouded in mystery and legend. Her legacy, however, continues to endure, shaped not only by her reign but also by the narratives constructed by her Roman enemies and the countless works of art and literature that have immortalized her throughout history.