Cleopatra: The Great Queen of Egypt

One of the great historical figures of ancient times is Cleopatra. Cleopatra while significant in her own right has become quite popular in our culture mainly due to the various movies, books, etc that has have helped tell her story to the masses. No doubt her life was extraordinary as a queen, being married to her brother, having to politically align herself with some of the most powerful men the world has ever seen and having a torrid love affair with Marc Antony, bearing his children. For those that are fascinated with the life of Cleopatra, it should be noted that researchers and historians are just now starting to uncover the many facets of her life.

Cleopatra's story truly begins in 49 BC when after a failed attempt to become the sole Pharaoh of Egypt, she was driven out of the palace by Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII. Ptolemy XIII was not only the current ruler of Egypt, but also the husband of Cleopatra and her brother. However, Cleopatra showing signs of her political savvy, returned to the palace soon later with a large army which put Cleopatra and her brother into a stalemate.

Another political figure entered the picture- trying to break the stalemate. Julius Caesar of Rome came to Alexandria Egypt and lived within the palace trying to forge a peace deal between the two. While Cleopatra was barred from entering the palace- as she wished to speak to Caesar, she came up with an ingenious idea to role herself up in a carpet and be delivered directly to Julius. Julius was taken by this gesture and after a quick discussion decided to help her regain the throne.

Fortunately for Cleopatra, soon after she rebelled against Ptolemy XIII with the help of Julius Caesar, her brother drowned- giving her the throne. However, her safety wasn't complete until both her sister and her other brother were killed to ensure there would be no more power plays.

Unfortunately, with the death of Julius Caesar in the coming years, Cleopatra was left with little political protection and forced to find an alliance, she not only found a political alliance, but true love in Mark Antony.

There is much more to this story and it is quite compelling and fascinating. For those enamored with Cleopatra, the Smithsonian Magazine has an excellent article on the subject. To read it, please visit our main website.

About The Author:
http://www.smithsonianmag.com Smithsonian magazine is a monthly magazine created for modern, well-rounded individuals with diverse interests. It chronicles the arts, history, sciences and popular culture of the times. Each month, expect articles from the Smithsonian Institution's award-winning, monthly general interest magazine, plus exclusive Web articles, videos, blogs, photographs and more.

Tags: CLEOPATRA, BLACK HOLES, DAREDEVIL, FORBIDDEN CITY, WRIGLEY FIELD, NATIONAL ARCHIVES, PARTHENON, GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, DIANE ARB

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Title:	Cleopatra: The Great Queen of Egypt
Author:	Roger Smith
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Cleopatra: The Great Queen of Egypt