Cleopatra

Cleopatra VII Philopator, commonly known simply as Cleopatra, was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. She reigned from 51 BC to 30 BC, ruling jointly with her brothers as was customary in the Ptolemaic dynasty. A member of the Macedonian Greek royal Ptolemaic dynasty, Cleopatra was the daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes. She sought to preserve Egypt's independence amid expanding Roman power and aligned with Rome to strengthen her position.

Cleopat ra is well known for her political and diplomatic skill, including alliances with Rome's key figures Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. With Caesar she sought to solidify her grip on the throne after a struggle with her brother Ptolemy XIII; Caesar eventually supported Cleopatra’s claim. Their relationship produced a son, Caesarion. After Caesar’s assassination, Cleopatra aligned with Antony. The pair opposed Caesar’s legal heir, Octavian, and fought against Rome's rising influence.

Cleopatra and Antony were defeated by Octavian at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, leading to their downfall and Antony’s death. Cleopatra's subsequent fate is uncertain; traditional legend holds that she committed suicide, most famously by an asp bite, though other explanations exist. Egypt then became a province of the Roman Empire.

Cleopatra has become one of the most enduring symbols of ancient Egypt and female power, shaping both ancient and modern portrayals of ancient Egypt through literature, art, and film. Modern scholarship emphasizes her political acumen, linguistic ability, and role in the late Hellenistic world rather than the sensationalized stereotypes that later cultures created.