Despite being one of Egypt’s most famous female rulers, very little is known about Cleopatra VII. She might be famous for allegedly using her beauty to sway the likes of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, but historians have no clue what Cleopatra looked like. Daughter to King Ptolemy XII, Cleopatra rose to become one the best rulers in history. She capitalized on her charm and political prowess to seize more power. If you have always been fascinated by Queen Cleopatra, here are some unique facts you need to know about her.
1. Cleopatra was Not an Egyptian
Yes, Cleopatra ruled Egypt, but she was not of Egyptian heritage. Cleopatra falls under the long line of Macedonian Greek kings and queens who ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great. After Alexander, Ptolemy I took over until it was Cleopatra’s father’s turn. When Ptolemy XII died, Cleopatra took over.
Even though she was not Egyptian, she was well-versed with the language, culture, and religion. At one point, Cleopatra even associated herself with the Egyptian god Isis.
2. Cleopatra Didn’t Rely on Her Beauty to Gain Power
The Romans painted Cleopatra as a harlot queen who relied on her looks to succeed. However, historians deny this allegation. They claim that Cleopatra used her brains, charm, and character to win over the hearts of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
Historians go on to explain that Cleopatra had a sweet voice that would easily persuade anyone to listen to her. Also, she was familiar with a wide range of languages, including that of the Barbarians. So she didn’t need an interpreter to pass her messages. It’s also mentioned that Cleopatra was not a beauty. Coins from her era portray a woman with wide sunken eyes, a high forehead, and a hooked nose.
3. Her Affairs Were Based on Strategy
During her lifetime, Cleopatra had only two romantic partners, excluding her younger brother, whom she only married to co-rule Egypt. Both of her relationships were based on strategy. Cleopatra ascended to the throne at only 18 years old.
During that time, her young brother/husband wanted to get her out of the crown. So, when Julius Caesar visited Egypt, Cleopatra saw an opportunity to win over a powerful Roman ruler. Therefore, she won over Ceaser’s heart and gave him a son called Caesarion, which means Little Ceaser.
The same thing applied to Cleopatra’s affair with Mark Antony, Julius Ceaser’s second in command. When Caesar died, the throne would go to Octavian or Mark Antony. The latter needed money, and Cleopatra was the wealthiest woman in the world at that time. She saw an opportunity and took advantage of it.
4. Cleopatra Married Two of Her brothers
Most people are familiar with the fact that Cleopatra married her young brother, Ptolemy VIII when she ascended to power. However, not everyone knows that Cleopatra also married her other brother, Ptolemy XIV, after bearing a son for Julius Ceasar.
5. Cleopatra Would Have Been Worth over 95.8 Billion Dollars Today
Cleopatra’s empire stretched from what is modern-day Libya all the way to Syria and Egypt. She reigned over 7 million people. Historians claim Cleopatra’s wealth today would have been over 95.8 billion dollars.
6. There’s a Chance That Cleopatra Wasn’t Killed by a Snake Bite
Shakespeare’s play shows that Cleopatra was bitten by a venomous asp on her breast after her lover, Mark Antony, committed suicide. However, historians disagree with this almost perfect ending of the Egyptian queen.
In Egypt, snakes are a symbol of royalty. So, Cleopatra dying from a snake bite was more symbolic than what happened in real life. Historians suggest Cleopatra may have poisoned herself. She was a skilled chemist and very familiar with a wide range of poisons.
7. Cleopatra Murdered Her Three Siblings
When the Egyptian monarchs were not marrying one another, they were slaying each other’s throats. Cleopatra’s first husband and younger brother were killed in battle when they were fighting a civil war alongside Julius Caesar, who drowned in the Nile River.
After marrying her other young brother, it is believed that Cleopatra murdered him so that her son would become her co-ruler. There are also accounts of Cleopatra orchestrating the execution of her sister Arsinoe.
8. Cleopatra Formed a Drinking Club with Mark Antony
While having an affair with Mark Antony, Cleopatra formed a drinking club called “Inimitable Livers“. From 41 to 40 BC, these two engaged in a life of pleasure in Egypt. They would go for wine binges, feasts and even walk around the streets of Alexandria pranking the locals.
9. Cleopatra Fought on the Battle Field
This doesn’t come as a surprise because Cleopatra looked up to great leaders such as Alexander the Great. When Cleopatra’s lover was fighting Octavian, she led several warships into the fray and fought alongside Mark Antony. Octavian’s forces were unbeatable, and Cleopatra had no option but to flee to Egypt.
10. Cleopatra Thought She was a God
Cleopatra believed she was a god. As such, she would dress up as a god while attending ceremonies and celebrations. Cleopatra surrounded herself with luxury throughout her lifetime and led a high-end lifestyle.
11. She Had Four Kids, None of Whom Inherited the Throne
Most people are familiar with Cleopatra’s first son, Caesarion. However, you may not know that she had three other kids with Mark Antony after Augustus killed Caesarion. They were called Ptolemy Philadelphus, Alexander, and Selene. The last two were twins; none inherited the throne after her.
12. 21-Year-Old Cleopatra Met Julius Ceaser When He was 52 years
Cleopatra and Julius Ceasar had a 31-year age gap when they first met. However, back then, age wasn’t a key factor among suitors. It’s also important to note that Cleopatra had a hidden agenda.
13. Cleopatra’s Tomb Has Never Been Found
Historians know that Cleopatra’s tomb is in Alexandria, Egypt. However, to date, its exact location has never been found. Several archeologists have led numerous missions to find this tomb but have been unsuccessful.