History Facts

Cleopatra VII Philopator was a Hellenistic ruler of Egypt. She was born in Alexandria in 69 BC and eventually poisoned herself in 30 BC via an asp bite. As Pharaoh, she was historically linked to Gaius Julius Caesar. Her relationship with him helped solidify her grip on the Egyptian throne. After Caesar’s assassination, she married Mark Antony, with whom she produced twins. Her reign marks the end of the Hellenistic Era and the beginning of the Roman Era in the eastern Mediterranean. She was the last Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.

Fact #1 - Cleopatra was not an Egyptian.

Because she ruled Egypt, many people think she was Egyptian. She was in fact a Macedonian Greek who descended from Ptolemy I, a Greek general of Alexander the Great. Ptolemy was given the gift of Egypt after Alexander’s death.

Fact #2 - Before her unions with Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony, Cleopatra had marriages with two of her brothers, Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV.

In ancient times it was common for royal women to marry their brothers. Today, we would never think of such a thing. But it’s quite possible that their relationships were before paper/power only. Because Cleopatra never had children with either of her brothers, some people believe their relationships were never sexual. During her marriages to her brothers, she always remained a lover to Caesar.

Fact #3 - Cleopatra could speak 9 languages.

That’s very impressive. I’m embarrassed to say I can only speak one! She was in fact the only member of the entire Ptolemaic dynasty that could speak Egyptian.

Fact #4 - Cleopatra may not have been that beautiful.

Hollywood and stories often depict Cleopatra as a beautiful woman. Although we can’t be 100% certain, most historians believe she was actually rather unattractive. Images of Cleopatra on coins suggest she had a large nose and manly features.

Fact #5 - Cleopatra died in 30 BC, when she was only 39 years old. She committed suicide and used an asp for the purpose.

An asp is an Egyptian Cobra snake. Death by snake does not seem like a good way to go. She must have been severely love sick or depressed to commit suicide in such an awful fashion.

Julius Caesar was a Roman military and political leader. He played a critical role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. Unfortunately for him, the Senate wasn’t too happy about that and they ultimately assassinated Caesar.

Fact #1 - Caesar went to Rhodes to study oratory, but on his way he was captured by pirates whom he charmed and seemingly befriended. After he was freed, he had the pirates executed.

If anyone would know something about double-crossing it would be pirates. I can’t believe they would befriend someone they captured. Morons! Imagine how history would have turned out if Caesar was murdered by the pirates and never became a Roman emperor?

Fact #2 - In 44 B.C. conspirators claiming they feared Caesar was aiming to become king assassinated Caesar on the Ides of March.

Julius Caesar was assassinated because Senators wanted to restore a normal running of the Republic. They feared Caesar was too power hungry and centralized the government… The results of his assassination were another Roman Civil War

Fact #3 - Caesar’s living son, Caesarion, was an Egyptian, the son of Queen Cleopatra, so Caesar adopted a great nephew, Octavian, in his will. Octavian was to become the first Roman emperor, Augustus.

How often in history has a blood-son of an emperor been passed over for a great nephew? That has to be rare. And talk about having issues growing up. Caesarion, who had his father’s name, couldn’t follow in his legacy. Poor Caesarion was probably picked on a lot growing up.