Cleopatra is one of the most infamous historical figures. Throughout the millennia and certainly during the last century, Cleopatra has fascinated millions of people with her beauty, political savvy and sad life story. While portrayed as one of the most beautiful ladies to ever walk the earth in movies, books, theater, etc, many of those that have showed interest in the life of Cleopatra do not know all the facts about her life. In fact, new research today has uncovered a wide variety of evidence to suggest her life was much different than most people assumed. For those intrigued by the beauty and allure of Cleopatra, the Smithsonian Magazine has an article available for your reading pleasure.
Cleopatra- the Egyptian Pharaoh
Cleopatra was the daughter of Pharaoh Ptolemy XII Auletes and during this time it was customary to marry your brother and share the throne. As a young woman, Cleopatra was married to her brother Ptolemy XIII. While these marriages were created to stabilize power, Cleopatra and her brother had political quarrels which developed into a power struggle. In order to hold power, Cleopatra had to find allies that would help protect her right to the throne and this came in the mighty Roman Caesar.
Cleopatra the Savvy Politician
Cleopatra would find that she yearned for power and searching for alliances to hold power she built strong political alliances throughout Egypt and the ancient world. With Caesar on her side, she was able to retain the throne once her brother died (mysteriously drowning in a pool). And once Queen of Egypt, she sought to make sure that she and she alone held its power by murdering her other siblings so they would not depose her.
Once Caesar was murdered, it was clear that Cleopatra had a big problem. She was forced to find strong allies or risk losing her power. With her political savvy and her allure and charm, Cleopatra seduced and fell madly in love with Mark Antony. Throughout the years, she had 2 children with Mark Antony and their relationship was that of Hollywood movies- real, passionate love.
Read More About Cleopatra the Last Pharaoh of Egypt
Cleopatra's love affair with Mark Antony is a story of the ages and how this love affair ends is a truly incredible story. To read more about Cleopatra, her life, her political alliances and new information that has been discovered about her, please visit the Smithsonian Magazine’s main website at the following link: http://www.smithsonianmag.com
