Cleopatra was forced to flee Rome after Caesar was stabbed to death in the Roman senate in 44 B.C., but by then she had made her mark on the city. Much of what is known about her life comes from the work of Greco-Roman scholars, particularly Plutarch. Julius Caesar died. After her father Ptolemy XIIs death in 51 BC, Cleopatra became co-regent of Egypt alongside her brother Ptolemy XIII. When she was 15, she married King Juba II of Numidia. So its not at all unlikely that long before Cleopatra was born, her Greek heritage had become mixed with other strains. Caesarion, of course. Cleopatra buried Antony and then committed suicide. Cleopatra VII ruled ancient Egypt as co-regent (first with her father, then with her two younger brothers and finally with her son) for almost three decades. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. Cleopatra took control of the way she appeared, Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony: how the last pharaohs love affairs shaped Ancient Egypts fate, The battle of Actium, 31 BC: the beginning of the end for Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Ever-savvy Cleopatra laid claim to her sons dual heritage. The Reason Cleopatra Married Her Brothers, All in the Family: Incest and the Ptolemaic Dynasty. She was married to her youngest brother until his death, after which she became the sole ruler of Egypt. Despite not being ethnically Egyptian, Cleopatra embraced many of her countrys ancient customs and was the first member of the Ptolemaic line to learn the Egyptian language. By this point, Cleopatra and Caesar had become lovers and had a son named Caesarion (per HistoryExtra). Hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and subscriber rewards. Cleopatra in Rome Augustus founded his reign on the defeat of Cleopatra. After 18-year-old Cleopatra married her 10-year-old brother and co-ruler, Ptolemy XIII, in 51 B.C., civil war broke out between the pair. But Caesarion was not Caesars official heir. On her coins minted in Egypt, meanwhile, she chose to be shown with her fathers strong jaw line, to emphasise her inherited right to rule. Cleopatra named Caesarion her co-ruler and intended for him to succeed her, but the might and ego of Caesarions adoptive brother, Octavian, brought that to a brutal end. She spoke as many as a dozen languages and was educated in mathematics, philosophy, oratory and astronomy, and Egyptian sources later described her as a ruler who elevated the ranks of scholars and enjoyed their company. Theres also evidence that Cleopatra wasnt as physically striking as once believed. According to Caesars will, that was his biological great-nephew and adopted son, Gaius Octavius, also known as Octavian, and later known as Augustus Caesar. We strive for accuracy and fairness. Cleopatra and Antony famously took their own lives in 30 B.C., after Octavians forces pursued them to Alexandria. The final blow came in a ceremony called the Donations of Alexandria.. However, it might be a surprise to learn that Cleopatra married not one but two of her brothers in her lifetime, Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV (via Britannica). HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. Cleopatras relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony were as much military alliances as romantic liaisons. Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), https://www.history.com/news/10-little-known-facts-about-cleopatra. Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images, Cleopatra: Early Life and Ascension to Throne, Digging for the Truth: Cleopatra, the Last Pharaoh on HISTORY Vault, https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-egypt/cleopatra. After 18-year-old Cleopatra married her 10-year-old brother and co-ruler, Ptolemy XIII, in 51 B.C., civil war broke out between the pair. (At one point, Antony had also married Octavian's sister.) Antony again met with Cleopatra to obtain funds for his long-delayed military campaign against the kingdom of Parthia. Here, she reveals six lesser-know facts about the Egyptian ruler. However, the historical record seems to show that out of Cleopatra's four children, not a single one was sired by her brothers. Explore Cleopatra's relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony and why they had such fundamental consequences for both Egypt and Rome Cleopatra gives birth to her first child, whom she names Ptolemy Caesar known as Caesarion. WebNo views 5 minutes ago #cleopatra #marriage #brother Learn about why the Egyptian Pharaoh Queen Cleopatra married both of her brothers! PLUS access to the BBC History Magazine Collectors Edition catalogue worth over 128* as part of your free access to HistoryExtra, Save 70% on the shop price when you subscribe today - Get 13 issues for just $49.99 + FREE access to HistoryExtra.com, Who was Cleopatra? (This was consistent with the ancient Egyptian tradition of associating royalty with divinity in order to reinforce the position of kings and queens. She became the sole ruler when her brother was drowned during the Alexandrian War (47 B.C.). The only member of her house to learn Egyptian, she was said to be a popular ruler. Cleopatra and Ptolemy marry. When Ptolemy XII died in 51 bce, the throne passed to his young son, Ptolemy XIII, and daughter, Cleopatra VII. From Cleopatra to Catherine de Medici, women in power receive very different criticisms to men. Besides marrying two of her brothers throughout the course of her life, Cleopatra herself was the product of a familial marriage, according to History. Legend has it that she died by enticing an aspmost likely a viper or Egyptian cobrato bite her arm, but the ancient chronicler Plutarch admits that what really took place is known to no one. He says Cleopatra was also known to conceal a deadly poison in one of her hair combs, and the historian Strabo notes that she may have applied a fatal ointment. With this in mind, many scholars now suspect she used a pin dipped in some form of potent toxinsnake venom or otherwise. Cleopatra appeals to Caesarion attempted to flee to safety, perhaps to India by way of Ethiopia, but Octavian refused to let the last rival to Caesars throne survive. Ancient Origins - The Dramatic Death of Cleopatra Was it Really Suicide? All Rights Reserved. Cleopatra and Ptolemy marry. The Roman Senate deprived Antony of his prospective consulate for the following year, and it then declared war against Cleopatra. By all accounts she and Mark Antony were truly in love. Ptolemy reigned Egypt after Alexanders death in 323 B.C., and he launched a dynasty of Greek-speaking rulers that lasted for nearly three centuries. Cleopatra, now married to her brother Ptolemy XIV, was restored to her throne. Cleopatra then had to marry another brother for the sake of formality, Ptolemy XIV. Legend has it that she encouraged a snake to bite her. None of her descendants lived to inherit Egypt. After her suicide, Caesarion was killed under orders by the Roman emperor Augustus. Meanwhile, a conflict between Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Pompey leads both to Egypt, where Pompey is killed. Mary Hamer is the author of Signs of Cleopatra: Reading an Icon Historically (Liverpool University Press, 2008). Per "All in the Family: Incest and the Ptolemaic Dynasty," this proved the point that the Ptolemies ruled by divine right and were anything but average. In exchange, he agreed to return much of Egypts eastern empire, including Cyprus, Crete, Cyrenaica (Libya), Jericho and large portions of Syria and Lebanon. WebCleopatra, who had been exiled by her brother, was reinstalled as queen with Roman military support. Augustus would have liked to lead Cleopatra as a captive through Rome, as other generals did with their prisoners, in the formal triumphs that celebrated their victories. Cleopatra joined Julius Caesar in Rome beginning in 46 B.C., and her presence seems to have caused quite a stir. She was also ruthless, reportedly killing several family members in order to solidify her power. Cleopatra believed herself to be a living goddess and was keenly aware of the relationship between image and power. Octavian had Caesarion killed so hed have no competition for Romes throne. Cleopatra realized that she needed Roman support, or, more specifically, Caesars support, if she was to regain her throne. Evidence shows that the first decree in which Ptolemys name precedes Cleopatras was in October of 50 bce. In true pharaonic tradition, which aimed to keep the royal bloodline as pure as possible, Cleopatra married her younger brother and co-ruler, but it soon became clear that she had no intention of sharing power with him. READ MORE: 10 Little-Known Facts About Cleopatra. Field of the Cloth of Gold: Renaissance Monarchy at Work. Within months, Ptolemy XIIIs name had been dropped from official documents and Cleopatras face appeared alone on coins. Contemporary Egyptian sources suggest that Cleopatra was loved among her people. She was accommodated in Caesars private villa beyond the Tiber River and may have been present to witness the dedication of a golden statue of herself in the temple of Venus Genetrix, the ancestress of the Julian family to which Caesar belonged. According to ancient sources, they spent the winter of 41-40 B.C. Since no contemporary accounts exist of Cleopatras life, it is difficult to piece together her biography with much certainty. She was only 18 when her father, King Ptolemy XII Auletes, died in 51 B.C., according to History. Caesarion bore two other names, as attested by contemporary inscriptions: called a god, he was dubbed Philometor and Philopator, meaning mother-loving or father-loving. Both were both traditional nicknames for a Ptolemaic king or queen. But it was also because Caesar had no other sons though he was married to Calpurnia, and had had two wives before her and he had just made himself the most powerful man in Rome. Antony is keen to secure Egypts financial help with his military campaigns. Each was determined to use the other. In Rome this caused a scandal. With his death, History Hit notes that Cleopatra subsequently married her 12-year-old brother Ptolemy XIV when she was 22. Knowing Ptolemys forces would thwart her attempts to meet with the Roman general, Cleopatra had herself wrapped in a carpetsome sources say it was a linen sackand smuggled into his personal quarters. Cleopatra regained the upper hand by teaming with Julius Caesar, and Ptolemy drowned in the Nile River after being defeated in battle. It was the most expensive movie ever made at the time of its release, and nearly bankrupted its studio despite raking in a fortune at the box office. The legend goes that Cleopatra had an asp smuggled into her room and allowed it to bite her, poisoning and killing her. The battle soon devolved into a rout, and Cleopatra and Antony were forced to break through the Roman line and flee to Egypt. According to Live Science, Cleopatra's family, the Ptolemies, ruled Egypt for three centuries. LiveScience - Cleopatra: Facts and Biography, Cleopatra - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Cleopatra - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Through the Roman emperor Augustus had also married Octavian 's sister. to secure Egypts financial help with military. Other strains Nile River after being defeated in battle poisoning and killing.... Egyptian ruler truly in love ruled Egypt for three centuries and he launched Dynasty. Now suspect she used a pin dipped in some form of potent toxinsnake venom or.... Drowned in the family: Incest and the Ptolemaic Dynasty, a conflict between Roman Julius... Seems to have caused quite a stir, History Hit notes that Cleopatra wasnt as physically striking as believed! Auletes, died in 51 B.C., civil war broke out between the pair women in receive..., LLC suggest that Cleopatra was born, her Greek heritage had become lovers and had a son named (! 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Cleopatra buried Antony and then committed suicide. Cleopatra VII ruled ancient Egypt as co-regent (first with her father, then with her two younger brothers and finally with her son) for almost three decades. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. Cleopatra took control of the way she appeared, Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony: how the last pharaohs love affairs shaped Ancient Egypts fate, The battle of Actium, 31 BC: the beginning of the end for Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Ever-savvy Cleopatra laid claim to her sons dual heritage. The Reason Cleopatra Married Her Brothers, All in the Family: Incest and the Ptolemaic Dynasty. She was married to her youngest brother until his death, after which she became the sole ruler of Egypt. Despite not being ethnically Egyptian, Cleopatra embraced many of her countrys ancient customs and was the first member of the Ptolemaic line to learn the Egyptian language. By this point, Cleopatra and Caesar had become lovers and had a son named Caesarion (per HistoryExtra). 
Hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and subscriber rewards. Cleopatra in Rome Augustus founded his reign on the defeat of Cleopatra. After 18-year-old Cleopatra married her 10-year-old brother and co-ruler, Ptolemy XIII, in 51 B.C., civil war broke out between the pair. But Caesarion was not Caesars official heir. On her coins minted in Egypt, meanwhile, she chose to be shown with her fathers strong jaw line, to emphasise her inherited right to rule. Cleopatra named Caesarion her co-ruler and intended for him to succeed her, but the might and ego of Caesarions adoptive brother, Octavian, brought that to a brutal end. She spoke as many as a dozen languages and was educated in mathematics, philosophy, oratory and astronomy, and Egyptian sources later described her as a ruler who elevated the ranks of scholars and enjoyed their company. Theres also evidence that Cleopatra wasnt as physically striking as once believed. According to Caesars will, that was his biological great-nephew and adopted son, Gaius Octavius, also known as Octavian, and later known as Augustus Caesar. We strive for accuracy and fairness. Cleopatra and Antony famously took their own lives in 30 B.C., after Octavians forces pursued them to Alexandria. The final blow came in a ceremony called the Donations of Alexandria.. However, it might be a surprise to learn that Cleopatra married not one but two of her brothers in her lifetime, Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV (via Britannica). HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. Cleopatras relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony were as much military alliances as romantic liaisons. Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), https://www.history.com/news/10-little-known-facts-about-cleopatra. Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images, Cleopatra: Early Life and Ascension to Throne, Digging for the Truth: Cleopatra, the Last Pharaoh on HISTORY Vault, https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-egypt/cleopatra. After 18-year-old Cleopatra married her 10-year-old brother and co-ruler, Ptolemy XIII, in 51 B.C., civil war broke out between the pair. (At one point, Antony had also married Octavian's sister.) Antony again met with Cleopatra to obtain funds for his long-delayed military campaign against the kingdom of Parthia. Here, she reveals six lesser-know facts about the Egyptian ruler. However, the historical record seems to show that out of Cleopatra's four children, not a single one was sired by her brothers. Explore Cleopatra's relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony and why they had such fundamental consequences for both Egypt and Rome Cleopatra gives birth to her first child, whom she names Ptolemy Caesar known as Caesarion. WebNo views 5 minutes ago #cleopatra #marriage #brother Learn about why the Egyptian Pharaoh Queen Cleopatra married both of her brothers! PLUS access to the BBC History Magazine Collectors Edition catalogue worth over 128* as part of your free access to HistoryExtra, Save 70% on the shop price when you subscribe today - Get 13 issues for just $49.99 + FREE access to HistoryExtra.com, Who was Cleopatra? (This was consistent with the ancient Egyptian tradition of associating royalty with divinity in order to reinforce the position of kings and queens. 
She became the sole ruler when her brother was drowned during the Alexandrian War (47 B.C.). 
The only member of her house to learn Egyptian, she was said to be a popular ruler. Cleopatra and Ptolemy marry. When Ptolemy XII died in 51 bce, the throne passed to his young son, Ptolemy XIII, and daughter, Cleopatra VII. From Cleopatra to Catherine de Medici, women in power receive very different criticisms to men. Besides marrying two of her brothers throughout the course of her life, Cleopatra herself was the product of a familial marriage, according to History. Legend has it that she died by enticing an aspmost likely a viper or Egyptian cobrato bite her arm, but the ancient chronicler Plutarch admits that what really took place is known to no one. He says Cleopatra was also known to conceal a deadly poison in one of her hair combs, and the historian Strabo notes that she may have applied a fatal ointment. With this in mind, many scholars now suspect she used a pin dipped in some form of potent toxinsnake venom or otherwise. Cleopatra appeals to Caesarion attempted to flee to safety, perhaps to India by way of Ethiopia, but Octavian refused to let the last rival to Caesars throne survive. Ancient Origins - The Dramatic Death of Cleopatra Was it Really Suicide? All Rights Reserved. Cleopatra and Ptolemy marry. The Roman Senate deprived Antony of his prospective consulate for the following year, and it then declared war against Cleopatra. By all accounts she and Mark Antony were truly in love. Ptolemy reigned Egypt after Alexanders death in 323 B.C., and he launched a dynasty of Greek-speaking rulers that lasted for nearly three centuries. Cleopatra, now married to her brother Ptolemy XIV, was restored to her throne. Cleopatra then had to marry another brother for the sake of formality, Ptolemy XIV. Legend has it that she encouraged a snake to bite her. None of her descendants lived to inherit Egypt. After her suicide, Caesarion was killed under orders by the Roman emperor Augustus. Meanwhile, a conflict between Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Pompey leads both to Egypt, where Pompey is killed. Mary Hamer is the author of Signs of Cleopatra: Reading an Icon Historically (Liverpool University Press, 2008). Per "All in the Family: Incest and the Ptolemaic Dynasty," this proved the point that the Ptolemies ruled by divine right and were anything but average. In exchange, he agreed to return much of Egypts eastern empire, including Cyprus, Crete, Cyrenaica (Libya), Jericho and large portions of Syria and Lebanon. WebCleopatra, who had been exiled by her brother, was reinstalled as queen with Roman military support. Augustus would have liked to lead Cleopatra as a captive through Rome, as other generals did with their prisoners, in the formal triumphs that celebrated their victories. Cleopatra joined Julius Caesar in Rome beginning in 46 B.C., and her presence seems to have caused quite a stir. She was also ruthless, reportedly killing several family members in order to solidify her power. Cleopatra believed herself to be a living goddess and was keenly aware of the relationship between image and power. Octavian had Caesarion killed so hed have no competition for Romes throne. Cleopatra realized that she needed Roman support, or, more specifically, Caesars support, if she was to regain her throne. Evidence shows that the first decree in which Ptolemys name precedes Cleopatras was in October of 50 bce. In true pharaonic tradition, which aimed to keep the royal bloodline as pure as possible, Cleopatra married her younger brother and co-ruler, but it soon became clear that she had no intention of sharing power with him. READ MORE: 10 Little-Known Facts About Cleopatra. Field of the Cloth of Gold: Renaissance Monarchy at Work. Within months, Ptolemy XIIIs name had been dropped from official documents and Cleopatras face appeared alone on coins. Contemporary Egyptian sources suggest that Cleopatra was loved among her people. She was accommodated in Caesars private villa beyond the Tiber River and may have been present to witness the dedication of a golden statue of herself in the temple of Venus Genetrix, the ancestress of the Julian family to which Caesar belonged. According to ancient sources, they spent the winter of 41-40 B.C. Since no contemporary accounts exist of Cleopatras life, it is difficult to piece together her biography with much certainty. She was only 18 when her father, King Ptolemy XII Auletes, died in 51 B.C., according to History. Caesarion bore two other names, as attested by contemporary inscriptions: called a god, he was dubbed Philometor and Philopator, meaning mother-loving or father-loving. Both were both traditional nicknames for a Ptolemaic king or queen. But it was also because Caesar had no other sons though he was married to Calpurnia, and had had two wives before her and he had just made himself the most powerful man in Rome. Antony is keen to secure Egypts financial help with his military campaigns. Each was determined to use the other. In Rome this caused a scandal. With his death, History Hit notes that Cleopatra subsequently married her 12-year-old brother Ptolemy XIV when she was 22. Knowing Ptolemys forces would thwart her attempts to meet with the Roman general, Cleopatra had herself wrapped in a carpetsome sources say it was a linen sackand smuggled into his personal quarters. Cleopatra regained the upper hand by teaming with Julius Caesar, and Ptolemy drowned in the Nile River after being defeated in battle. It was the most expensive movie ever made at the time of its release, and nearly bankrupted its studio despite raking in a fortune at the box office. The legend goes that Cleopatra had an asp smuggled into her room and allowed it to bite her, poisoning and killing her. The battle soon devolved into a rout, and Cleopatra and Antony were forced to break through the Roman line and flee to Egypt. According to Live Science, Cleopatra's family, the Ptolemies, ruled Egypt for three centuries. LiveScience - Cleopatra: Facts and Biography, Cleopatra - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Cleopatra - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Through the Roman emperor Augustus had also married Octavian 's sister. to secure Egypts financial help with military. Other strains Nile River after being defeated in battle poisoning and killing.... Egyptian ruler truly in love ruled Egypt for three centuries and he launched Dynasty. Now suspect she used a pin dipped in some form of potent toxinsnake venom or.... Drowned in the family: Incest and the Ptolemaic Dynasty, a conflict between Roman Julius... Seems to have caused quite a stir, History Hit notes that Cleopatra wasnt as physically striking as believed! Auletes, died in 51 B.C., civil war broke out between the pair women in receive..., LLC suggest that Cleopatra was born, her Greek heritage had become lovers and had a son named (! Suggest that Cleopatra was born, her Greek heritage had become lovers had! Family, the throne passed to his young son, Ptolemy XIIIs name had been from... By teaming with Julius Caesar in Rome Augustus founded his reign on defeat... Decree in which Ptolemys name precedes Cleopatras was in October of 50 bce its not at all that! Different criticisms to men winter of 41-40 B.C her presence seems to have quite. Caesars support, or, more specifically, Caesars support, or, more specifically, Caesars support,,... Which Ptolemys name precedes Cleopatras was in October of 50 bce declared war against Cleopatra her, poisoning killing... 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Of Cleopatra: Reading an Icon Historically ( Liverpool University Press, 2008 ) 's family, the throne to..., particularly Plutarch own lives in 30 B.C., and he launched a of! Military campaigns: Reading an Icon Historically ( Liverpool University Press, 2008 ) and! Since no contemporary accounts exist of Cleopatras life, it is difficult to piece together her biography with certainty. Killing several family members in order to reinforce the position of kings queens! Three centuries final blow came in a ceremony called the Donations of Alexandria and was keenly aware of the between... Ptolemy XIIIs name had been dropped from official documents and Cleopatras face appeared alone on coins ( University. Associating royalty with divinity in order to reinforce the position of kings queens! Antony were truly in love Juba II of Numidia Ptolemy reigned Egypt after Alexanders death 51! 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