1 CLeopatra VII Philopator: The Last Pharoh By ana Madrigal 2 Background Cleopatra was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty-

a greek family who ruled Egypt after Alexander he Great's death. Members of this family refused to speak Egyptian, and instead spoke Greek. Cleopatra, however, spoke both Egyptian and Greek. 3 The Early Years Cleopatra's parents were Cleopatra V Tryphaena, and Auletes, who became known as Ptolemy XII. Cleopatra and her siblings lived very well; Their father esured they were very w ell taken care of. Their father also believed that education was very important, and as such, he en sured that they all had their own tutors. Cleopatra herself studied art, literature, philosophy, music, medicine, and lear ned 6 different languages. 4 First Years of Rule Cleopatra was put into power in 51 BC, when her father died. In his will, he spe cified that Cleopatra and her 10 year old brother should be joint monarchs. Cleopatra's rule started off rough- in her first 3 years, she was faced with fam ine, drought, political conflicts, and economic difficulties. A few months into their rule, Cleopatra stopped putting Ptolemy's name on offici al documents, and took his face off the coin. 5 Fall from Power In 50 BC, Cleopatra had a serious conflict with the Gabiniani. The Gabiniani were a group of elite Roman troops who Aulus Gabinius left in Egyp t to protect Ptolemy XII. Her reign ended when Pothinus led a cabal of courtiers to remove Cleopatra from power. Ptolemy was made the sole ruler after Cleopatra's reign ended. Cleopatra tried to rebel, but was exiled with her only remaining sibling, Arsino e. 6 Ptolemy, at the age of 13, attempted to gain Caesar's recognition by murdering h is (political) enemy Pompey. Caesar was enraged at this gesture, as Pompey was the widower of his daughter Ju lia. Cleopatra knew of Caesar's anger towards her brother, and snuck in to Caesar's p alace and became his mistress. She gave birth to their son, Ptolemy Caesar ("Caesarion") nine months later. Caesar assisted Cleopatra in re-gaining the throne, a war started between Ceasar 's roman army and Ptolemy's army. Ptolemy was drowned in the Nile, and Cleopatra took the throne once again taking her younger brother Ptolemy XIV as a co-ruler. When Ptolemy XIV died (some suspect he was poisoned by Cleopatra), she named Cae sarion as her co-ruler and successor. 7 Cleopatra sided with the Caesarian party in the Roman Civil War. (led by mark an tony and Octavian)

Formed an alliance with East Caesarian party leader, Publius Cornelius Dolabella . He was trapped in Laudicea and committed suicide soon after. Cleopatra planned to sail along the Libyan coast to meet up with Caesarian party leaders, but had to return to Alexandria due to violent storms and illness. 8 Mark Antony sends Quintus Dellius, one of his close friends to Egypt in 41 BC to summon Cleopatra to Tarsus for support in a war he was planning. When she arrived, she charmed Mark Antony and he decided to spend the Winter of 41-40BC in Alexandria. Cleopatra had Antony order the death of her sister, Arsinoe, for what she believ ed was hers and her son's safety. On December 25, 40 BC, Cleopatra gave birth to Antony's twin children. They were named Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene II. Four years later, Antony returned to Alexandria and married Cleopatra and they h ad another chiled named Ptolemy Philadephus. Cleopatra and her children rose as rulers thanks to Mark Antony at the Donations of Alexandria in 34 BC. She was given the title "Queen of Kings". Egyptians believed Cleopatra was a reincarnation of Isis, as she had called hers elf Nea Isis. In 31 BC, Mark Antony waged battle against the Roman fleet. Cleopatra was presen t, but it is believed that once she noticed Antony's ships being destroyed she l eft, and Antony followed. 9 Death After another small battle between Antony and Octavius, Cleopatra decided to att empt to sway Octavius with gifts and riches. Mark Antony was sent a message that Cleopatra had died, and commited suicide. Al legedly, in his last breath he asked for Cleopatra not to take pity on him. On the same day, Octavius came to Alexandria and explained to her that she would be brought to Rome and paraded down the streets. Cleopatra was offended by this, and as her last stand, she asked for one of her servants to bring her an Egyptian snake. She allowed the snake to bite her, and she died soon after. Her death brought an end to the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt. 10 Impact on Today Cleopatra's face and beauty are often representative of Egypt to us today. Her e ye makeup is iconic. Many movies have been made of her life. Even in her time, Cleopatra was regarded for her beauty and charm. She was known for her mannerisms and has been depicted as somebody who could "charm any man s imply by walking past him." (references are made of this even in movies and lite rature with nothing to do with her) 11 Bibliography http://www.kingtutone.com/queens/cleopatra/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/cleopatra.shtml http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/cleopatraarts/tp/aatpcleofilms.htm http://www.kingtutshop.com/freeinfo/cleopatra.htm http://www.touregypt.net/cleopatr.htm