Cleopatra VII and Ptolemy XIII have been portrayed to have a complicated relationship within ancient Roman sources, however, even more complicated is the differences between their individual portrayals in these sources. The treatment of Cleopatra VII and Ptolemy XIII in Roman sources vary from source to source due to the different biases held by the authors. Lucan’s Pharsalia treats the pair most harshly with obvious biases, while Cassius Dio’s Roman History and Hirtius’ Alexandrian War present the same biases with more subtlety. Cassius Dio’s Roman History, Lucan’s Pharsalia, and Hirtius’ Alexandrian War all treat Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra VII vastly impartially due to two overarching biases produced from Roman culture, with the three sources …show more content…
First, frequently referencing Cleopatra’s beauty as “impure” or “harmful,” Pharsalia presents her beauty as dangerous and false, calling the quality of her character into question in the context of her gender. This is furthered when Lucan portrays Cleopatra as using these looks and “simulated” emotions to illicit help from Julius Caesar after she had been expelled from her kingdom by Ptolemy’s council. Lucan’s description of the scene paints Cleopatra as manipulative and crafty, even going so far as to quote her appeal to Caesar, which characterizes her as begging and needing a man to save her. In this scene, Lucan clearly calls on ideas rooted in the mistrust of women and gender imbalances in his treatment of Cleopatra. This is further reflected when he questions whether a woman could “rule the world.” This very question gives some credit to Cleopatra’s ability to gain power through her tactics, but is mostly posed as rhetorical, as Lucan’s tone is one of disbelief in the ability of a non-male to seize that amount of power, once again showcasing his bias against women. Conclusively, Lucan presents clear gender-based biases against Cleopatra VII, causing her unfavorable …show more content…
First, In Cassius Dio’s Roman History, Cleopatra is also depicted and treated as manipulative due to her gender. While Cassius Dio describes Cleopatra’s beauty without negative connotations, he uses such as an explanation as to how she was able to persuade Caesar for his help, referring to it as a “scheme.” Cassius Dio’s characterization of the act, similar to the way in which Lucan presents it, is of a meticulous plan created by a manipulative woman. Additionally, while Cassius Dio gives more credit to Cleopatra in terms of her power, such as naming her as in control of Caesar, he frequently makes the point that she was disliked by her subjects as a sole ruler, even claiming that there was fear of a rebellion. However, there is a large lack of “evidence for widespread hostility” towards Cleopatra by her subjects. The reason for such a rumor perpetuated by Cassius Dio can be explained by the same reason Lucan poses a mocking question of whether a woman could rule the world: a strong gendered bias against a woman in power who wanted to rule alone. Secondly, Hirtius’ Alexandrian War also displays a gender bias against Cleopatra VII through a lack of recognition. Hirtius focuses on Ptolemy XIII and his dynamics with Caesar, mentioning Cleopatra only in passing as Caesar’s “loyal
Camryn Cook History 337 Dr. Overtoom 02/26/23 Reading Summary #3 Group 2: Cleopatra Chapters 7-9 and Epilogue This summary paper examines chapters 7 “The Operation of the Kingdom”, 8 “Scholarship and Culture at the Court of Cleopatra”, 9 “Downfall”, and the Epilogue of Cleopatra by Duane W Roller. Chapter Seven “The Operation of the Kingdom” begins with the section titled “Royal Administration” which highlights the financial and political struggles of the empire the Cleopatra inherited and ruled over. Her father owed major debts to officials of the Roman Empire, which had not entirely been paid off, most notably to Caesar. These debts are one of the primary reasons for Octavian’s eventual attempts of conquering Egypt and ending Cleopatra’s
Cleopatra, Ptolemy XIV, and her son all visited Rome where Caesar and Cleopatra’s relationship was made obvious to the Roman public. After four years in 44 BCE Caesar was assassinated and Cleopatra and the others she came with returned home where Ptolemy XIV died. Cleopatra made her son heir to the throne and co-regent. During the Roman civil war between the supporters of Caesar and the assassin of Caesar Cleopatra sided with the supporters of Caesar because of her past.
In spite of the fact that it was orchestrated for them to administer as joint rulers, Cleopatra had no prospect of offering energy to her more youthful kin. In any case, there came a period when Ptolemy XIII tested Cleopatra – it was not long after that he was discovered dead; a comparative destiny transpired at sundry circumstances to her different kin. It is imagined that Cleopatra was in charge of two out of five of her kin's passings. Cleopatra was apprehensive about the possibility that that she would be inculpated for a murder plot so she commenced to court the forces of the Roman Realm. As it is composed, she was an venerator of Julius Caesar and bore him a child.
University of the People HIST 1421-01 Greek and Roman Civilization - AY2023-T3 Week 4: Learning Journal Roman Egypt Most of us may have heard about the Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra, from many plays, films and literature. She was known for her immensely seductive beauty and her tragic love affairs. We should also note that she protected Egypt, which was rich in natural resources, especially gold, for many decades alone and improved the economy of Egypt to a great extent. However, Egypt eventually became the province of the Roman Empire along with her tragic death. In the World History Encyclopaedia, it is stated that "she was simply on the wrong side of a power struggle" (Wasson, 2016).
This became not only a relationship of convenience between the leader of the three who ruled Rome after the death of Caesar, but one of true mutual admiration and love. Cleopatra admired the dashing youthful energy and fable name and powerful position. She thought of herself as the wife of Caesar, evern though he had a wife in Rome. Caesar took Cleopatra back to
Female heads of state are few and far between throughout history, but when a woman rises to power, she leaves her mark. Cleopatra, arguably the most famous woman of the ancient world, was Queen of Egypt and lived from 70 or 69 B.C.E. to 30 B.C.E. Her legacy extends through history and legend, and she remains firmly entrenched as an icon of brilliance, seduction, and tragedy. It is her tragic death that has mesmerized historians and inspired artists through the ages. Supposedly by inflicting the bite of an asp or cobra, Cleopatra committed suicide after the death of her last lover Mark Antony of Rome and the defeat of their armies.
While some may question Cleopatra's independence and why she did certain things, it is undeniable that she was a major force in Mediterranean politics during her reign. Through ambitious projects, diplomatic initiatives, and alliances with influential figures she managed to maintain Egypt's independence and power despite Roman dominance. Cleopatra was ultimately an adept politician, adept at navigating the delicate political landscape of the Mediterranean world, forging alliances and making strategic decisions to protect her own interests and remain in power. Scholars debate whether Cleopatra was motivated by a desire to further Egypt and her people's interests or simply herself. Ultimately, understanding Cleopatra's legacy as a political leader requires an in-depth knowledge of her historical context, along with cultural and societal influences which shaped her actions.
Cleopatra and Joan of Arc are two of the most powerful and influential women to ever have lived. Although each one led for their own purposes, and in their own style, the consequences of their actions still have ripples in today’s world. Whether it be because of Cleopatra’s beauty or ruthlessness, or Joan of Arc’s faith and purity both women are considered iconic figures in the global community. Throughout time both Joan of Arc and Cleopatra have been documented as extremely influential characters in history. Cleopatra and Joan of Arc were iconic in different ways, for different reasons but it is undeniable that without them, the world wouldn’t be as it is today.
Cleopatra’s Influence on the Roman Empire Cleopatra VII has become one of the most well-known ruler and Egyptian in era of the Roman Empire because of her suppose beauty, cunning personality and her influence on the Roman Republic which turned into an Empire shortly after her death. While she is not Roman citizen herself, her relations with Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony are what brought her influence of power into Roman society and expanded her own in Egypt. Just like any ruler in history she sought power which was not something easily done as a woman in that time, however primary sources such as Josephus and Cassius Dio often do not refer to her as a great ruler, but as a seductress
Cleopatra fled to Syria for safety with her sister, hoping to recruit an army to help her win back the throne from her brother. Cleopatra's fame may largely stem from her love affairs with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, but it's important to recognize that her life was characterized by much more than just her romantic relationships Her connection with Caesar began when Ptolemy XIII, Cleopatra's brother, had killed Caesar's enemy Pompey. Caesar was angry because while Pompey may
Cleopatra is never loyal to Antony, even though she claims to kill herself over him. Her constant willingness throughout the play to manipulate him is a sign of the fact that she would betray him as soon as it was convenient for her, either politically or emotionally. Many people are unaware of where Cleopatras body is. The truth is that it is at the British Museum. This mummy is very gorgeous and historic.
Cleopatra VII, known as “fatale monstrum” or a fatal omen to the Romans, is one of the most cunning, captivating, and alluring figures in ancient history. She has been repeatedly romanticized in popular culture, such as in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra and Hollywood’s Cleopatra (1963) starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. However, while most people only know her as the Egyptian queen who was romantically involved with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony; she actually played an important role in the history of Egypt and the Roman Republic. Cleopatra was born in January 69 BC in Alexandria, Egypt to Ptolemy XII Auletes (117 BC- 51 BC) and Cleopatra V Tryphaena (95 BC- 57 BC.)
Ultimately, this will serve as a reflection of how different times and cultures use the story of Cleopatra to manipulate the reputations of powerful women. Unfortunately, there is little certainty to Cleopatra’s tale;
Taking advantage of Caesar displeasure with Ptolemy, Cleopatra sneaked into Caesar room and successfully endeared herself to Julius Caesar. With Caesars military strength, Cleopatra saw
As the name Cleopatra is widely known among us, how many of us truly knows the tale of her life besides the queen title and her great beauty? Joseph L. Mankiewics’s feast “Cleopatra” in 1963 may give you some ideas about the glamorous yet tragic life of the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. The film has succeeded in demonstrating many historical aspects, especially the mighty ambitious Cleopatra, yet still has some inaccuracies which all will now be discussed. The film accurately portrayed most of the historical details, from the triumph to the tragedy of Cleopatra.