Pharaoh Cleopatra ascended to the throne at the age of 17 and passed away at 39. She was fluent in nine languages. She ruled as the Queen of Egypt from 51 to 30 BCE and was the last ruler in the line of Pharaohs of the Egyptian dynasty. After Cleopatra’s death, Egypt fell under the control of the Roman Empire.
Why Was Cleopatra Famous?
As the Queen of Egypt (51–30 BCE), Cleopatra played a crucial role in Roman politics during a significant period. She is particularly known for her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. In her time, no woman was considered her equal.
Here are some facts you might not know about the Queen of Egypt:
- She was not ethnically Egyptian.
- She married both of her brothers.
- She was an intellectual who spoke nine languages.
- Cleopatra was considered beautiful.
- She was possibly the wealthiest person in the world during her time.
Notable Qualities That Made Her Famous:
- Grace and charisma
- Culinary skills
- Knowledge of marriage and relationships
- Passion and determination
- Charm and social influence
- Intelligence and artistic talent
These attributes contributed to her recognition as one of the most famous women in history.
Reign
Cleopatra VII, often simply called “Cleopatra,” was the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which governed Egypt for nearly 300 years. She ruled over an empire that included Egypt, Cyprus, parts of modern-day Libya, and other regions of the Middle East.
Death
Cleopatra died by suicide on August 10 or 12, 30 BCE, in Alexandria, likely through poisoning. In 2021, Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities reported the discovery of several artifacts bearing her name and image.
