What was so special about Cleopatra?

Why is Cleopatra famous? While queen of Egypt (51–30 BCE), Cleopatra actively influenced Roman politics at a crucial period and was especially known for her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. She came to represent, as did no other woman of antiquity, the prototype of the romantic femme fatale.

What made Cleopatra successful?

In an era when Egypt and Rome was embroiled in internal and external battles, she established her power, stabilized her kingdom and greatly influenced the politics of the time. Among other things, Cleopatra led a fleet at the naval Battle of Actium and influenced the way Western empires would be governed.

What did Cleopatra do to help Egypt?

Despite her romance with Caesar, Cleopatra wanted Egypt to remain independent of Rome. She built up the Egyptian economy, establishing trade with many Arab nations. She was a popular ruler among the people of Egypt both because she embraced the Egyptian culture and because the country was prosperous during her rule.

Was Cleopatra an effective ruler?

She was a great politician who knew how to show off her and her country’s power and influence. At the height of her rule more than two thousand years ago, she controlled Egypt and other lands including most of the eastern Mediterranean coast. She was also one of the richest people in the world.

What was Cleopatra’s life like during her reign?

Life and reign. Cleopatra was determined to keep her throne and, if possible, to restore the glories of the first Ptolemies and recover as much as possible of their dominions, which had included southern Syria and Palestine. Caesar and Cleopatra became lovers and spent the winter besieged in Alexandria.

Why did Cleopatra want to restore the first Ptolemies?

Cleopatra was determined to keep her throne and, if possible, to restore the glories of the first Ptolemies and recover as much as possible of their dominions, which had included southern Syria and Palestine. Caesar and Cleopatra became lovers and spent the winter besieged in Alexandria.

Why was Cleopatra called the symbol of royalty?

Some claim it was by means of an asp, the symbol of divine royalty. Daughter of King Ptolemy XII Auletes, Cleopatra was destined to become the last queen of the Macedonian dynasty that ruled Egypt between the death of Alexander the Great in 323 bce and its annexation by Rome in 30 bce.

What happened to Cleopatra after the Battle of Actium?

The naval Battle of Actium, in which Octavian faced the combined forces of Antony and Cleopatra on September 2, 31 bce, was a disaster for the Egyptians. Antony and Cleopatra fled to Egypt, and Cleopatra retired to her mausoleum as Antony went off to fight his last battle.