While Cleopatra is a name familiar to all, the extent of knowledge about this powerful ruler may be more limited than one thinks. Hollywood, renowned for portraying the Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom as the epitome of glamour, notably featured Elizabeth Taylor as the ultimate silver-screen beauty in the 1963 biopic. However, according to several credible sources, these depictions may not accurately capture the essence of Cleopatra. Here are 40 facts that could potentially reshape your perception of this "father-loving goddess."
1. Cleopatra’s death has mystified experts for centuries
According to legend, Cleopatra's demise in 30 B.C. is often attributed to the agonizing method of suicide by snake bite. However, numerous historians challenge this narrative, suggesting that the Queen likely ended her own life through more conventional means. Christopher Schaefer, a professor of ancient history at Trier University, expressed his certainty to CNN that a snake was not involved. The German academic argued that Cleopatra would not have chosen such an unreliable and torturous method to bring about her death. Not only is an asp bite not always lethal, but it can also result in dreadful effects, such as body paralysis. This perspective aligns with Cassius Dio, a Roman historian, who, two centuries after her passing, claimed that Cleopatra experienced a "quiet and pain-free death."
2. Cleopatra wasn’t Egyptian
One astonishing Cleopatra fact surpasses many others: she wasn't of Egyptian origin. Despite ruling the Ptolemaic Kingdom for 21 years and being closely associated with Egypt, she descended from Macedonian Greek royalty. Cleopatra made significant efforts to convince the public of her connection, considering herself the living embodiment of the Egyptian goddess Isis. Additionally, she was one of the few figures in her dynasty who took the initiative to learn the Egyptian language.
3. Her resting place remains a mystery
Even though Cleopatra's final resting place remains undiscovered, many historians contend that Alexandria is the likely location of her burial. This ancient city sank into the Mediterranean over a millennium ago. However, archaeologist Kathleen Martinez, reminiscent of an Indiana Jones adventure, proposes a different theory. Martinez believes that Cleopatra's burial site is beneath a temple, suggesting it was a strategic measure to prevent the Romans from seizing her body. The Dominican Republic native also theorizes that Cleopatra's belief in being the reincarnation of the goddess Isis influenced her choice of burial.
4. She married two of her brothers
If you believed the incestuous drama in Game of Thrones was far-fetched, reconsider. Cleopatra's life included walking down the aisle with not one, but two of her younger brothers. Although she ascended the throne after the death of their father, she was required to have a male co-ruler. Determined to assert her rightful place, Cleopatra opted not to seek an external suitor and instead married her sibling Ptolemy XIII.
5. She was involved in the deaths of two brothers
Cleopatra was unquestionably a formidable queen not to be trifled with. She played a role in the untimely demise of three of her siblings. Initially, she allied with Julius Caesar in a civil war that led to the drowning of her younger brother and husband, Ptolemy XIII, in the Nile. Ptolemy XIII had earlier played a part in expelling Cleopatra from her Egyptian home. Subsequently, reports suggest that she orchestrated the death of another sibling, Ptolemy XIV, whom she had married, to pave the way for her son to ascend the throne alongside her.
6. Her sister wasn’t safe, either
Cleopatra's approach to dealing with her siblings could be characterized as an equal-opportunities strategy. She didn't spare her sister Arsinoe either. Suspecting Arsinoe of attempting to seize the throne, Cleopatra, in her ruthless manner, persuaded her lover Mark Antony to eliminate her sibling in the most decisive manner. Antony accepted the mission and carried out the deed, killing Arsinoe in the temple where she had sought refuge. This act further intensified the Romans' displeasure, given the sacred nature of the location.
7. She and Mark Antony formed a drinking club
Cleopatra was evidently adept at enjoying herself! The Queen's preferred way to unwind after a day of governance involved indulging in the kind of revelry that could rival the antics of the Jersey Shore cast. In fact, she and Mark Antony took their penchant for hedonism to another level by establishing their own venue for such festivities. Adding to the evidence of their extravagant lifestyle was the establishment's name, the Inimitable Livers. Reports suggest that the duo reached the pinnacle of their hard-living lifestyle during the winter months of 41-40 B.C.
8. Her looks were a powerful political tool
Cleopatra was undeniably skilled at leveraging her assets, and her sense of style played a crucial role in achieving her personal and political goals. In an interview with Smithsonian magazine, Joann Fletcher, an Egyptologist and Cleopatra biographer, acknowledged that some of the myths surrounding the Queen's appearance were based in reality. Fletcher remarked, "Cleopatra was a mistress of disguise and costume. She could reinvent herself to suit the occasion, and I think that's a mark of the consummate politician."
9. She wasn't as beautiful as believed
In early 2007, Newcastle University showcased a coin believed to depict Cleopatra from 32 B.C. However, the image presented a stark contrast to the goddess-like beauty portrayed by Taylor in films. Cleopatra, as depicted on the coin, appeared rather ordinary with a pointed chin, narrow lips, and a larger-than-average nose. Surprisingly, this portrayal is considered to be a more accurate representation. The ancient philosopher Plutarch once observed, "Her actual beauty... was not so remarkable that none could be compared with her, or that no one could see her without being struck by it, but the contact of her presence... was irresistible."
10. She knew how to make an entrance
Regardless of whether Cleopatra was considered a goddess of beauty, she undeniably possessed the ability to captivate attention effortlessly. A notable instance of this allure is how she entranced Mark Antony. In 41 B.C., the Queen made a grand entrance for a meeting with the Roman leader on a golden boat adorned with silver rowing oars and purple sails. Cleopatra, whose appearance was inspired by the goddess Aphrodite, was attended to by servants dressed as Cupid, fanning her down. Predictably, Mark Antony was instantly enchanted by Cleopatra's theatrical and captivating presence.
11. She used cunning tactics to further her political sway
Setting aside the behind-the-scenes maneuvering of modern political parties, the political tactics of Cleopatra stand out as truly cunning. In 48 B.C., Cleopatra aimed to meet Julius Caesar in Alexandria without alerting her brother Ptolemy XIII and his followers. In a stroke of ingenuity, Cleopatra successfully infiltrated the Roman general's quarters by concealing herself within a carpet that was delivered to his door. Caesar, undoubtedly impressed by her resourcefulness, soon found himself in a partnership with Cleopatra, both politically and romantically.
12. She was involved in a love triangle
Cleopatra's love life indeed resembled the drama of a soap opera. After the death of her first love, Julius Caesar, the Queen became entangled with another political heavyweight, Mark Antony. The complication arose as Antony was already married. When his wife Fulvia discovered his indiscretions, she went straight to their arch-rival Octavian, demanding punishment. The plot thickened when Antony, while still involved with Cleopatra, married Octavian's sister, Octavia. The tragic climax occurred when Antony, mistakenly believing Cleopatra had died, took his own life.
13. She led a naval battle
Cleopatra demonstrated her willingness to engage in hands-on efforts, even when it involved dirty work. In 32 B.C., fueled by Octavian's propaganda, the Roman Senate declared war on the Queen. This conflict reached its climax a year later at Actium. In a naval battle, Cleopatra personally commanded numerous Egyptian warships alongside a fleet led by her lover, Mark Antony. Regrettably, the opposition led by Octavian proved too formidable, forcing the pair to make a daring move by crossing enemy lines to secure their escape to safety.
14. She spoke multiple languages
Indeed, Cleopatra was a remarkable polyglot. As mentioned earlier, she stood out among her family members by taking the effort to learn Egyptian. In addition to her native Greek, Cleopatra was fluent in several other languages, including those of the Ethiopians, Syrians, Medes, Parthians, Jews, Arabs, and Trogodyatae. This linguistic prowess allowed the Queen to access literature from various corners of the globe, establishing her as one of the most knowledgeable rulers in ancient times. Her intellectual acumen extended beyond languages, as evidenced by her studies in diverse fields such as mathematics, medicine, alchemy, and astronomy.
15. Her language skills made her very popular
While Cleopatra may not have had Egyptian ancestry, her commitment to learning the language and immersing herself in the traditions and customs of the country endeared her to its people. She frequently commissioned artistic portraits in a style synonymous with Egypt and adorned herself in outfits that reflected its fashions. Evidence of her patriotism being embraced by the public can be found in an ancient text from 35 B.C., where the ruler is celebrated as Philopatris, which translates to "she who loves her country."
16. Her eye makeup was used to ward off infections
Cleopatra is renowned for her distinctive use of black kohl makeup, not only applied to line her eyes but also along the sides of her face. While it contributes to her stylish appearance, the New York Times reported that the primary purpose of the kohl was to prevent eye infections. In ancient Egypt, where regular problems arose due to water pollution during the flooding of the Nile, Cleopatra's chosen makeup contained lead. While lead had antibacterial properties that could combat infection, it also posed a risk of poisoning.
17. We don’t have Cleopatra to thank for that iconic eyeliner look
While Cleopatra is credited with popularizing the black kohl look, she can't take all the credit—Eiras, her personal stylist, played a crucial role. In ancient Egypt, styling was indeed a profession, and Eiras was regarded as the finest in her industry at the time. Apart from enhancing the Queen's eyes by extending the makeup to the temples, Eiras was also a close friend. Cleopatra died in Eiras' arms, and the two were side by side at the Battle of Actium.
18. She wasn't the first in line to the throne
Although Cleopatra embraced her role as Queen effortlessly, she was not the first in line to the Ptolemaic dynasty's throne. Initially, her older sibling, Berenice, was poised to assume leadership. Briefly, Berenice, along with their mother Cleopatra VI Tryphaina, took charge when their father fled to Rome to escape public unrest spurred by an economic recession. Upon his return, he reassumed his position and, in an act that may have influenced Cleopatra's future decisions, ordered the execution of his own flesh and blood.
19. Forget beauty, it was her voice that captured hearts
Indeed, Cleopatra, despite any conventional standards of beauty, successfully captivated the hearts of both Mark Antony and Julius Caesar. Alberto Angela, the author of "Cleopatra: The Queen Who Challenged Rome and Conquered Eternity," suggests that Caesar was particularly enamored with her voice during their initial Greek language encounter. This claim finds support in Cassius Dio's summary of the same meeting, as he wrote, "No sooner did Caesar see her and hear her speak than he was immediately fascinated."
20. She was a writer
The assertion that Cleopatra authored numerous academic works, particularly in the fields of medicine and cosmetics, is supported by various Arabic sources. According to these accounts, the Queen demonstrated a high level of intelligence and expertise in her writings. One of her alleged books was said to contain remedies for various hair problems, such as dandruff and alopecia. Unfortunately, the lack of physical evidence makes it challenging to substantiate these claims about Cleopatra's scholarly contributions.
21. She was a bookworm
While there may be debates about Cleopatra's writing talents, it is widely accepted that she was an avid reader. According to biographer Angela, Cleopatra was a particularly enthusiastic fan of the Greek poet Homer. Angela told Reader's Digest that the Queen could recite many of Homer's works by heart. He added, "Every corner of the library is familiar to Cleopatra... Scholars and librarians probably know her well, and perhaps at times forget that they have before them the Queen."
22. She once spent $20 million on a cocktail
Cleopatra was undeniably extravagant. Legend has it that she once consumed a cocktail featuring a pearl valued at 10 million sesterces, roughly equivalent to $20 million today. This lavish drink was supposedly part of a bet with Mark Antony, challenging the notion of spending such a sum on a single meal. According to Pliny the Elder, a Roman philosopher, he explained, "She ordered the second course to be served. In accordance with previous instructions, the servants placed in front of her only a single vessel containing vinegar. She took one earring off, and dropped the pearl in the vinegar, and when it was wasted away, swallowed it."
23. Her daily bathtub supposedly required 700 lactating donkeys
Cleopatra's skincare regime, involving bathing in sour donkey milk, may not be a likely promotion for L'Oreal any time soon. The Queen reportedly sought to prevent wrinkles by immersing herself in this unusual concoction. The science behind it lies in the lactic acid produced by donkey milk, which can assist in exfoliating the skin's surface layer, resulting in a more youthful-looking and blemish-free dermis. To ensure she had enough for an entire bathtub, Cleopatra needed a supply from no fewer than 700 lactating donkeys!
24. She convinced Egypt she was the reincarnated goddess Isis
Cleopatra indeed had a fascination with goddesses. She adorned herself as Aphrodite when meeting Mark Antony for the first time and claimed to be the reincarnated Isis, a figure from Egyptian mythology. While it remains unclear whether she genuinely believed this, Cleopatra utilized the association to garner support from the Egyptian public, a strategy that proved effective. Mark Antony also participated in the charade, asserting that he was the living embodiment of Isis' brother, Osiris.
25. Her womanly wiles derailed an entire invasion
In 41 B.C., Cleopatra's influence over Mark Antony was evident when he decided to call off a planned invasion of Parthia just to spend more time with her. Despite having an assembled army ready for the invasion, Antony, at Cleopatra's apparent urging, opted for a different approach, choosing to prioritize love over war. Without hesitation, Antony returned to Cleopatra's palace in Alexandria, where he spent the remainder of the winter. During this period, some of his troops faced attacks from the Parthians, and Antony's actual wife, Fulvia, had to flee to Rome after a confrontation with Octavian. Oops indeed.
26. Legend has it that she used perfume to woo Mark Antony
Cleopatra left nothing to chance when she first met Mark Antony. In addition to arriving on a golden barge for their introduction in Tarsus, the Queen also adorned herself with an incredibly potent fragrance. As William Shakespeare poetically wrote, her sails were "so perfumed that the winds were lovesick with them." Her signature scent has been reconstructed by a research team using residue from ancient amphorae. Robert Littman, an archaeologist at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, stated, "This was the Chanel No. 5 of ancient Egypt. It was the most prized perfume of the ancient world."
27. She was born out of incest
Cleopatra's marital connections with two of her younger brothers were not uncommon in the Ptolemaic dynasty, where marrying within the family was widely accepted in ancient times. The Ptolemaic rulers demonstrated no reservations about engaging in such relationships, with over a dozen family members reportedly involved in such unions. While the official identity of Cleopatra's mother remains uncertain, it is highly likely that she had some familial connection to her father, Ptolemy XII.
28. She tried, and failed, to cure Caesar’s baldness
Cleopatra was quite the beauty experimentalist, even to the extent of attempting to address Caesar's baldness. In addition to maintaining her own long-flowing locks, the Queen took it upon herself to give her balding lover a new head of hair. She concocted a mixture of deer marrow and ground horse teeth, hoping it would prove effective. When the remedy fell short of the desired results, Caesar, seemingly insecure about his hair loss, opted to cover it with a laurel wreath crown instead.
29. She became Queen when she was still a teenager
Unlike most teenagers who concern themselves with homework, sports, and school crushes, Cleopatra's adolescence was marked by the preparation for rule. She ascended to power at the young age of 18 following the death of her father, Ptolemy XII. Initially, her father had orchestrated Cleopatra's marriage to her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, with the intention of having them rule jointly. However, within a year, Cleopatra seemed to have cast aside her sibling to assume full control of the crown.
30. She may have single-handedly decreased Rome's interest rate
If there were an ancient Egyptian equivalent of Forbes magazine, Cleopatra would likely have been at the top of its rich list. Some historians suggest that she was wealthier than Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos combined. Cleopatra is credited with significantly impacting Rome's interest rates. Following Rome's conquest of Egypt in the aftermath of her death in 30 B.C., her substantial wealth allegedly played a role in reducing the interest rate from 12 percent to 4 percent.
31. Her three children with Mark Antony were raised by his widow
Cleopatra had three children with her second lover, Mark Antony: Alexander Helios, Cleopatra Selene II, and Ptolemy Philadelphus. Following the suicides of both parents, the children were reportedly raised by Antony's widow, an act of remarkable generosity. Unfortunately, both of the couple's sons are presumed to have died during their childhood. Cleopatra Selene II, named after her mother, continued the family legacy and eventually ascended to the throne herself.
32. She knew how to honeymoon
True to her penchant for an extravagant lifestyle, Cleopatra embarked on a honeymoon to remember after marrying Caesar. The newlyweds enjoyed a romantic cruise down the Nile, a momentous occasion according to biographer Angela. He remarked to Reader's Digest, "Two of the most famous figures in history taking a romantic trip in one of the most fascinating places on the planet. It’s like something out of a novel. And yet it truly happened." Cleopatra's second honeymoon with her husband Mark Antony surpassed even this, lasting an incredible six months, showcasing her love for grand gestures.
33. She’s been a fixture of pop culture
Cleopatra has been portrayed on screen in various forms, from the historical action-adventure "Serpent of the Nile" to animations like "Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra," and even the silent short film "Robbing Cleopatra’s Tomb." However, her most iconic portrayal was by Elizabeth Taylor in the 1963 eponymous biopic. Despite its box-office success, "Cleopatra" almost bankrupted its studio due to its elaborate costumes and production design, making it the most expensive film at the time. Nevertheless, Hollywood continues to find Cleopatra a captivating figure, inspiring various portrayals and interpretations on the big screen.
34. She was a daddy’s girl
Ptolemy XII, Cleopatra's father, isn't remembered as a great ruler in history. Inspired by his hero Dionysus, he was more inclined to showcase his singing talents and play the flute than navigate his country through economic and political challenges. However, this didn't diminish his status in the eyes of his number-one daughter. Cleopatra was such a proud daddy's girl that she earned the nickname "Cleopatra Philopator," which translates to "she who loves her father."
35. She was the last Egyptian pharaoh
Cleopatra, while one of the most famous members of the Ptolemaic dynasty that ruled Egypt for centuries, is also associated with its downfall. Following her suicide in 30 B.C., the nation she had ruled for 21 years became a province of the Roman Empire. This marked the end of an era initiated by the reign of Alexander in 336 B.C. and the final Hellenistic state in the Mediterranean. Cleopatra's death also marked the conclusion of a dynasty that had maintained control for over 5,000 years.
36. Roman propaganda was out to get her
Cleopatra faced a less-than-flattering portrayal in the aftermath of her death in 30 B.C., with much of the blame placed on her arch-rival Octavian, later known as Augustus. Octavian played a significant role in tarnishing her image, accusing her of witchcraft, political scheming, and sexual manipulation following her suicide. The second-century poet Lucan was particularly harsh, describing Cleopatra as "the shame of Egypt, the lascivious fury who was to become the bane of Rome."
37. She probably wasn’t as promiscuous as pop culture has had us believe
Contrary to the widespread belief in Cleopatra's promiscuity, the University of Manchester's Egyptology lecturer, Joyce Tyldesley, argues that the Queen had only two sexual partners in her entire lifetime. Tyldesley emphasized in a statement to the BBC, "Who she wasn’t was this glamorous seductress that filmmakers seem to like so much... But I think we like to see her that way: there’s something appealing about it but it’s most unfair." Tyldesley suggests that Cleopatra's image as a seductress may be a product of historical exaggeration and cinematic embellishments.
38. She was considered to be very intelligent
Cleopatra earned the favor of her father over her siblings due to her superior intellect. In addition to a robust academic background, the Queen possessed exceptional communication skills and diplomatic prowess. Cleopatra engaged in conversations with some of the era's most esteemed scholars, showcasing her intellectual prowess. Her high level of education was particularly unusual for a woman during that time. Even two millennia later, Cleopatra is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent leaders in world history.
39. She stole gold from Alexander the Great’s grave
Cleopatra, despite her immense wealth in ancient times, was not immune to engaging in a bit of thievery. When she visited Alexander the Great's tomb, the Queen reportedly appropriated some gold to finance her war against her arch-nemesis and future emperor, Octavian. Interestingly, she wasn't alone in such criminal activities; Alexander's mausoleum was frequently pilfered by light-fingered visitors pretending to pay their respects.
40. She liked to play pranks
Cleopatra, it turns out, was ancient Egypt's version of a prankster, akin to Ashton Kutcher. The ruler enjoyed playing pranks, even on her lovers. In one instance, Cleopatra decided to retaliate after Mark Antony attempted to deceive her into thinking he was a skilled fisherman. During a boat trip with friends, she instructed a servant to surreptitiously place some salted herring onto Antony's hook. When Antony excitedly reeled in his 'catch,' Cleopatra burst into laughter, saying, "Imperator, hand over thy fishing rod to the fishermen of Pharos and Canopus; thy sport is the hunting of cities, realms, and continents." It seems you had to be there to fully appreciate the humor.
41. Her dynasty did not survive for long
In 25 B.C., Cleopatra Selene II, Cleopatra's daughter, married Juba II, and together, they became the new rulers of Mauretania. They renamed the city of Iol to Caesarea Mauretaniae and established it as their capital. Unfortunately, their reign was short-lived. Cleopatra Selene II passed away in 5 B.C., and her husband followed in 23 or 24 A.D. Their son Ptolemy succeeded them, but his rule was cut short as he was executed by the emperor Caligula in 40 A.D. Ptolemy was the last direct descendant of Cleopatra to hold the position.
42. The cult of Cleopatra was a real thing
Cleopatra indeed left a lasting impression, and the cult of Cleopatra persisted even 400 years after her death. An Egyptian author of the book of Isis revealed that he "overlaid the figure of Cleopatra with gold," underscoring the enduring impact of her legacy.
43. Some think her importance has been blown out of proportion
Historical perspectives on Cleopatra have evolved, and some historians have challenged the notion that she played a significant role in ancient Egyptian society. Ronald Syme, a historian, has asserted that Cleopatra had minimal involvement in the rule of Caesar, suggesting that the perception of her influence may have been fueled by propaganda. Additionally, it has been argued that Cleopatra's outsized reputation may have been influenced by the fact that she was a female figure in a predominantly male world. Historical interpretations can vary, and ongoing research and analysis contribute to our evolving understanding of Cleopatra's role in history.
44. Her pop culture status has warped the public’s perception of her
Cleopatra has indeed been a fixture in pop culture for centuries, depicted in Renaissance paintings long before Hollywood movies. However, it's important to note that the historical record is not as detailed as some depictions would suggest. Consequently, fictionalized versions of her life, such as Elizabeth Taylor's portrayal in "Cleopatra," have often had a more substantial impact on popular imagination than historical accounts. The blending of fact and fiction in Cleopatra's portrayals has contributed to her enduring mystique and fascination.
45. Cleopatra had her own coins
Archaeologists have discovered coins from every year of Cleopatra's reign as the Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, with Cleopatra herself depicted on some of these coins. This is noteworthy because she was the only ruler of that era to have her own coins, and she was also the first foreign queen to have them. Cleopatra's influence extended to coinage, and it's suggested that she might have also encouraged Julius Caesar to have his own coins. This indicates the significance of Cleopatra's role and the unique aspects of her rule in the historical context of coinage.
46. Her tomb is still missing
Despite Cleopatra's fame, the location of her tomb remains a mystery. Cleopatra VII died by suicide in 30 B.C., and it has been assumed by many that she was buried alongside Mark Antony. While the Egyptian Antiquities Service suggests that the tomb might be near a temple in Taposiris Magna, numerous searches have been conducted, yet the exact location remains elusive. Despite the efforts, the tomb of Cleopatra VII has not been definitively identified.
