Cleopatra as a Historical Figure Essay

The row of hieroglyphics on the side of the throne reads “the perfect goddess”, “Bodily Daughter of Ra”, and “Lady of the Two Lands” meaning ruler of both Upper and Lower Egypt. The nicknames given to her really showed how revered she was by others and the way she influenced society at that time.

The name Cleopatra invokes a striking image in your mind. The Egyptian queen who took on the might of Rome. The way we see Cleopatra’s character changes in the way she has been depicted in movies and television across the years. With each different portrayal she reflects contemporary issues regarding society, the role of women and the historical knowledge available.

Images and interpretations of a person can change over time. Such movement is paralleled with changes in opinion and morals throughout generations. Cleopatra the seventh is subject to this fluctuation. Ancient images and interpretations differ greatly to the impression left today merely by her name. Chris Dumasis, a modern day historian amplifies this theory in ‘Interpretations of Cleopatra’. She argues, “women have been demeaned of their true substance since the early time of patriarchal society.” Taken into account, this argument entails that when studying ancient sources it must be understood that at times, only a very narrow view of the events are presented

How did Cleopatra rise to and maintain her power? Not much is known about her life since she lived so long ago, but what is known is enough to piece together some of her life story. Cleopatra was a strong and intelligent woman who made it through all the struggle and strife of the ancient world until it became too much for her. Cleopatra’s reign began and ended with tragedy, but was maintained by exploited love connections.

In the world of popular culture, Cleopatra VII is regarded as a woman with heavy eye makeup, a thing of beauty, someone with power sourced from her looks. However, the Cleopatra that history recalls is one of deadly determination and dedication, a teenager with a thirst for power, then a woman with a goal to keep Egypt out of the Roman Empire’s reach. Throughout her life as a leader, Cleopatra VII faced many difficulties, each one of which she met with an intricate strategy that showcase her deep knowledge of the politics and governance of the world around her. As she faced misogyny, bias and turmoil in both her civil and personal life, Cleopatra remained a capable and resilient leader of an imminently crumbling Egypt, and she defied all stereotypes

Cleopatra was a noteworthy Egyptian Pharaoh whose legacy and role was shaped by her experiences and achievements in ancient Egypt. It can be argued Cleopatra was a significant figure and her role and legacy was formed by her experiences, achievements because she stood for a symbol of power and strength in a time where society was male dominated. Cleopatra’s personality and early life impacted the beginning of her rise to power and in 51 BC she became sole leader of the Egypt. The key events in Cleopatra’s reign and the role she played during the alliance between herself and Caesar impacted on her reign. External factors informed her motives, which pushed her to make decisions during her rule, as it significantly impacted her relationship with Mark Antony. Cleopatra’s legacy had short and long-term effects; the consequences of her decisions pushed her to commit suicide, the events and choices she made during her life portrayed her significance.

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.

The Krewe of Cleopatra is an all women crew that represents strength, beauty, and femininity. Earlier this month, I got to see the Cleopatra crew performed and it was an astonishing experience. I lived here in New Orleans for nine years, but I have never participated in a parade before. Even though it was a popular culture, I was always too lazy to go. This year I wanted to do something more than just staying home and play game, I wanted to go out and experience the atmosphere, but more specifically I wanted to experience the Mardi Gras atmosphere. It was a unique atmosphere that I certainly love to go again.

The book “Cleopatra Egypt’s Last and Greatest Queen” by Susan Blackaby was a fascinating book about Cleopatra fighting over Egypt with Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Octavian, and many other ancient egyptian and roman pharaohs. Cleopatra went through a lot of obstacles to become a great queen of Egypt. Cleopatra was brave, intelligent, and respectful and that's what made Cleopatra a great queen of Egypt. The book “Cleopatra Egypt’s Last and Greatest Queen” has a lot of themes about the impact or change in the course of history.

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.

Despite their similarities, there were a number of differences between Cleopatra and Agrippina The Younger. The primary difference between these two women was what they actually did with their power. While Cleopatra was able to make significant changes to Egypt with the power that she held, the primary result of Agrippina’s acquisition of power and influence was her son, Nero, becoming Emperor. The dominant viewpoint held by the majority of historians is that Nero’s time as Princeps did not benefit many, and is widely looked upon as a “reign of terror… that imposed an increasingly repressive regime upon the upper-classes and through his policies and personal conduct, undermined the values of materialism” (Rudich, 1993, p. 4). Agrippina, like

Cleopatra was the last Pharaoh of Egypt. She was beautiful, highly educated, wealthy, and could speak various languages. She was a powerful woman who ruled for nearly 30 years and made strong alliances with Rome through relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. In 69 B.C., Cleopatra VII was born in Egypt.

¨The notion that wearing makeup is silly. Cleopatra pretty much invented the eyeliner, and she ruled a kingdom.¨ - Natasha Scripture a New York Times writer. This quote very well explains how many people perceived Cleopatra. They more than likely thought of her as a young and beautiful lady who inherited the throne from her father and from her mother. Her family was a part of the Ptolemaic Dynasty which ruled Egypt shortly after Alexander the Great's rule.

16. Cleopatra- the beauty which ruled Egypt Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, born in 69 B.C. Alexandria, Ptolemaic Kingdom commonly known as Cleopatra was member of Ptolemic dynasty of ancient Egypt who ruled her Kingdom for 21 years. Her name meant “ glory of her Father” and she stood true on its meaning. She was the most beautiful women of that era. Though the tales of her beauty cannot be forgetten but she was also the most intelligent women with scariest political mind of ancient Egypt and she even schemed against her siblings to rule Egypt all by herself .

Antony and Cleopatra share a passionate love story, mixing business with pleasure. This results in an inner conflict developing within Antony between what he perceives to be his two identities: the lover and the general. Throughout the play, the lover is associated with death, whilst the general is associated with Antony’s sword and armor. Though he believes the two parts of him to be separate, the text indicates that Antony is both lover and general at the same time through all of it. The difference in the two identities lies in the accountability. As a general, Antony is accountable to everyone and no one. His actions do not fall onto Caesar, thus he is accountable to no one, but his soldiers rely on him to lead them to battle and victory;