Cleopatra- A sign of times Essay

The historical epic film, “Cleopatra” depicts the queen and her relationships with two great Roman rulers, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Produced in 1963, this movie is a one of a kind as it portrays the Roman Republic transition. Although the motion picture is mostly very true to the historic facts, there are a few examples where the producers deviated from accuracy. The movie is not entirely correct with some of the costume and set choices, representation of the character Octavian, and Mark Antony’s family affairs. More importantly, Octavian’s character is adapted for the movie and does not precisely represent his true character. In general, “Cleopatra” gives the viewer a factual look at the events of Cleopatra and her

On that first fateful day, when Romulus struck down his own brother Remus, the cauldron of Rome was forged in blood and betrayal. The seeds on the Palatine hill cultured one of the most potent and stretching empires of human history. Though this civilization seemingly wielded the bolts of Zeus, they were infested with violence, vanity, and deception. Yet, one man—or seemingly “un”-man—outshone and out-graced his surroundings and everyone within it. He brought Rome several victories and rescued his beloved country from an early exodus, thus providing her a second beginning. This man was Marcus Furius Camillus, and against a logical and emotional mind, he was oft less than loved and celebrated. At times he was disregarded, insulted and even

“Who was Cleopatra? Who is Cleopatra? Portrayed as both goddess and monster in her own lifetime, through the ages she has become both saint and sinner, heroine and victim, femme fatale and star-crossed lover, politician and voluptuary, black and white. A protean figure, Cleopatra defies categorization.”1 So began Prudence J. Jones introduction in her edited text, Cleopatra: A Sourcebook. Jones claims Cleopatra was a chameleon in the skin of an Egyptian Pharaoh. As such she molded herself to fit what would best procure her the much needed tactics to strengthen and maximize the power she inherited. As the world changed, so did their perception of Cleopatra; and, in turn every generation construed her differently: from evil seductress, ill-fated star-crossed lover to renewed empowering feminist icon. The Cleopatra painted in this paper will decidedly be more reserved, acutely un-promiscuous, sharp-witted, resilient, and less beautiful than her literary and culturally shambolic counterpart; the Cleopatra history wished to hide.

Throughout history, there is absolutely no doubt that women, (whether they be royalty, revolutionaries, or regular citizens,) tend to be erased by the men that were recording at that time. The gender was, and still continues to be, suppressed and discriminated against. Therefore, when a powerful woman happened to be in the position where she could make a difference, she might adapt masculine tendencies and presentation. This is the case of the ancient Egyptian queen Hatshepsut, who was the second historically confirmed female pharaoh of Egypt, and the first to rule with full authority, according to The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt by Toby Wilkinson. In this paper I will explain how Hatshepsut presented herself as a pharaoh by blending

The purpose of this paper is to look at the history of Cleopatra VII, as well as how and why she wanted to be portrayed in a certain manner with respect to visual art. As the last noble of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, her images communicate her political abilities, her religious feeling, her caring duties and determination in preserving royal lineage, and her direct connection to ancient Egyptian gods. In addition, having relationships with two of the most powerful men in ancient Roman history, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony. Cleopatra was also able to improve her skills as a powerful pharaoh and set her status as pharaoh.

There have been many great women in history some have been written about others stayed under the shadows. One such woman was Cleopatra Selene. Through research I hope to bring to light the life and works that Selene did and show whoever reads this that Cleopatra the Great’s legacy did not end with her, and that Selene carried on the Ptolemy dynasty.

The final ruler in the Macedonian dynasty, Cleopatra XII Philopator, or more widely known simply as Cleopatra, is widely agreed have been incredibly charismatic and highly intelligent. After inheriting a weakened country with an empty treasury, Cleopatra was still able to promote trading links with countries as far away as India, thus much improving the country’s economic situation. Not only was one of her main foreign policy goals was to prevent Rome’s domination of Egypt, but she was also able to help revive Egypt’s economy and contemporary Egyptian sources regarding Cleopatra’s rule (though admittedly, there are not many) also suggest the the pharaoh was incredibly popular with the Egyptian people (Hill), and in 35 B.C.E, she even took the epithet Philopatris, meaning “one who loves her country,” (Burstein xxii). However it is not her accomplishments or the love of her country that she is remembered for, but for her beauty; or rather, her rumored beauty. Today, even with so much evidence pointing to the queen having been much more average-looking, the

Loman, Pasi. "No women no war." greece and Rome, seacond series, Vol.51,No1 , 2004: 34-54.

Throughout the years Hollywood has depicted Cleopatra as a timeless beauty, teeming with elegance and worthy of her position as queen of Egypt; because of this many often forget she had the brains to accompany her beauty. Remembered in history as one of the most powerful and cunning rulers in Egypt, Cleopatra used her charisma and intelligence throughout her life to secure her rightful place on the throne. Despite being one of the most famous queens in history, most of Cleopatra's early life remains a mystery. Information recounted from Greco-Roman scholars serve as the primary source for historians concerning her life ("Cleopatra"). Unbeknownst to popular belief, the Ptolemy dynasty, of which Cleopatra descended from, "[W]ere in fact Macedonian Greek, which makes Cleopatra about as Egyptian as Elizabeth Taylor," remarks Stacy Schiff, author of "Rehabilitating Cleopatra.

An example of a major source, which chiefly opposes the alternate interpretations provided by numerous other sources, is evident through the portrayals delivered by Tacitus in the Annals which contain a prospect of first century Rome, from Tiberius to Domitian. However in general, Tacitus offers a vivid representation of the Roman Empire, and doesn’t overlook the deadly exploitation and inhumaneness of the time, especially in regards to Augustus. This same view is further supported as Tacitus states that the “Protection of the laws were continually deranged by violence, intrigue and corruption” and that he, along with all of the Roman people, were “Stript of equality…” as they “…all looked up to the commands of a sovereign without the least

Cassius Dio characterises Cleopatra, in a goddess like nature. He uses adjectives to enhance her character, for example ‘a woman of surpassing beauty’ (Roman History 42.34), the word ‘surpassing’ has made her not just ordinarily beautiful, but a woman of outstanding appearance. Dio gives the impression that Cleopatra is perfect and can do no wrong. The nouns used, give Cleopatra an array of positive traits, he uses ‘power, beauty, and knowledge’ (Roman History 42.34), all of which any woman would want to aspire to. Dio has created an image of a remarkable woman, able to capture everyone’s attention.

The film the first colorized film of Cleopatra, unlike most other versions of Cleopatra, this version is a romantic comedy that wasn't meant to be historically accurate in anyway. The 1963 version of Cleopatra is very highly regarded and is the most

Cleopatra is widely known for her beauty. However, recent studies have proved that she was actually unattractive. Archaeologists discovered a coin depicting Cleopatra, aging over two thousand years. The coin revealed her true appearance, showing a sharp chin and nose, and a flat mouth. The 1963 film starring Elizabeth Taylor, Cleopatra, gave the false impression that she was beautiful. She then became known for her looks, and only a few people know of the truth. According to historian Joann Fletcher, many Roman women adopted the stereotypical “Cleopatra look”. Although she wasn’t attractive, she was highly intelligent. It is believed that she was a skilled politician,

"For Rome, who had never condescended to fear any nation or people, did in her time fear two human beings; one was Hannibal, and the other was a woman" (Lefkowitz 126).

I have recently read an amazing biography called, Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff. The book, written by a well-known author of biographies, tells the story of Cleopatra, the most powerful woman in history, who ruled Egypt in 70 BC. She is also the beauty, with whom Caesar and Mark Anthony fell hopelessly in love. Written in a unique way, trying to abolish stereotypes about Cleopatra, it is a fascinating novel, about power and love. It shows how these two mix and matched, while creating history.