Cleopatra VII: Queen of Egypt

Cleopatra: The Last Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt

Cleopatra VII was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt and remains one of the best-known figures of the ancient world.

Her story connects Alexandria, Egyptian traditions and Roman politics. It offers visitors a useful introduction to the people and events that shaped Egypt at the end of the Ptolemaic period.

Who Was Cleopatra?

Cleopatra VII Philopator was born in 69 BC and ascended to the throne of Egypt in 51 BC. Her family belonged to the Ptolemaic dynasty, a Greek-Macedonian royal family that took rule after Alexander the Great.
Though best known as an Egyptian queen, she was part of the Ptolemaic royal family, of Macedonian Greek origin. Cleopatra ruled Egypt as a significant monarch who fought to keep her country free from Rome's expanding power.
She was known for her education and intelligence as well. Ancient writers described her as multilingual and interested in Egyptian culture.

Cleopatra's Rise to Power

Cleopatra became queen alongside her younger brother Ptolemy XIII according to the tradition of the Ptolemaic dynasty.
During the beginning of her reign the court was in political flux. Cleopatra was expelled from the throne but later returned and sought help from the Roman Julius Caesar.
Supported by the Roman army, Cleopatra was restored to the throne. She remained the ruler of Egypt through a time of great upheaval in the Roman world.
 

Cleopatra and Julius Caesar

Her romance with Julius Caesar is perhaps one of the best-known episodes in her reign. Caesar came to Egypt at the time of the civil war between Cleopatra and Ptolemy.
Cleopatra forged an alliance with Caesar to regain her throne. They had a son together, who was also known as Ptolemy XV Caesar.
Cleopatra later followed Julius Caesar to Rome where she stayed until she had to leave after his death in 44 BC.

Cleopatra and Mark Antony

After Julius Caesar’s death, Cleopatra developed a close personal and political relationship with Mark Antony, one of Rome’s most powerful leaders.

Their growing rivalry with Octavian, later known as Augustus, eventually led to a large-scale war between their forces and his.

Cleopatra and the Battle of Actium

Actium in 31 BC is the most significant event in the history of Cleopatra.
Octavian's ships defeated Cleopatra's fleet at a large naval battle near Actium, Greece. This victory by Octavian undermined the power of Antony and Cleopatra, paving the way for the Roman conquest of Egypt.
After their defeat, Cleopatra and Antony went back to Egypt. Their position deteriorated as Octavian advanced towards Egypt.

The Death of Cleopatra and the End of Ptolemaic Egypt

In 30 BC, Octavian entered Alexandria. Mark Antony died just before Cleopatra. Cleopatra also died in the same year.
For years, there has been speculation surrounding the exact circumstances of Cleopatra’s death. Most ancient stories link her death to a venomous snake, but details are hazy.
At Cleopatra's death, Egypt became a Roman province. With her death, the Ptolemaic Kingdom and the last remaining ancient Hellenistic kingdom of Egypt came to an end.

Cleopatra and Alexandria

Alexandria played a central role in Cleopatra’s life and the Ptolemaic Kingdom. Founded by Alexander the Great, the city became one of the most important centers of culture, learning, and trade in the ancient Mediterranean.
Cleopatra ruled from Alexandria when the city was an important political and cultural hub. Alexandria's prominence due to its association with the Ptolemaic dynasty also makes it a significant destination for those wishing to follow in the footsteps of Cleopatra.
Today, visitors can explore archaeological and historical sites associated with Alexandria’s ancient past.

Cleopatra's Connection to Ancient Egyptian Culture

Despite being a Ptolemaic, Cleopatra attempted to associate herself with the traditional Egyptian culture and religion.
She identified with the Egyptian goddess Isis and presented herself as a ruler who knew and appreciated Egyptian custom.
By embracing Egyptian royal symbolism she was able to support her claim to be queen of Egypt and to associate her Ptolemaic monarchy with the traditions of Egypt.

Cleopatra's Legacy in Ancient Egyptian History

The period during which Cleopatra lived was one of transition from the Hellenistic world to Roman domination in Egypt.
Her life connects Egyptian, Greek and Roman history, offering a useful perspective on the ancient world.
Cleopatra's kingdom was ultimately absorbed into the Roman Empire but her name has lived for over 2,000 years. It still inspires historians, authors, filmmakers and travelers eager to know more about the history of Egypt.

Explore Cleopatra’s Egypt

Cleopatra’s story offers a way to understand the political and cultural world of Ptolemaic Egypt.

Alexandria and Egypt’s other ancient sites provide context for this chapter of history. Travellers can use it as a starting point when planning Egypt Tours.