Cleopatra VII is one of the most famous figures in ancient history, known for her intelligence, political skill, and dramatic life story. Here's a look at her life, accomplishments, and death:
Early Life
Cleopatra was born in 69 BCE in Alexandria, Egypt, into the Ptolemaic dynasty, a Greek family that had ruled Egypt since the time of Alexander the Great. Her father was Ptolemy XII, and when he died in 51 BCE, Cleopatra and her younger brother Ptolemy XIII were declared co-rulers. However, as her brother was just a child, Cleopatra became the dominant ruler early on.
Political Acumen and Alliances
Cleopatra was highly educated and multilingual, speaking several languages, including Greek and ...