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 …show more content…
The foreign policies of the empire have long since been ingrained with the politics of the Roman empire before Cleopatra’s reign (117). Thus, it is difficult to determine policies and expeditions that were not influenced by Roman politics. Cleopatra’s rule was primarily focused on the reclamation of territories and the expansion of her empire. Rapid expansion of the Roman empire played into these territorial gains as well, introducing policies which maintained Roman connections through proxied and allied rulers (118). Cleopatra and Herod the Great being two of the most influential of these allied rulers. Cleopatra and Herod stood as political rivals, especially when it came to territorial expansion. This led to many territorial conflicts and disputes, many of which were given to Herod by Antonius. Herod felt that Cleopatra would sabotage him and ruin his empire for her own ambition (119). Despite this suspicion and animosity, Cleopatra became involved in familial disputes in Herod’s relations. The matriarch of the Hasmonean Family Alexandra reached out the Cleopatra to rectify a decision of position of priest for her son, something that Herod denied to him. Through various exchanges and disputes, Cleopatra urged Alexandra to come live in Egypt, a plan that was found out and …show more content…
A final interesting thing that I learned from the Epilogue, was that despite all his efforts to claim Egyptian rule, Octavian never set foot back in Egypt again after annexing it as a Roman territory (151). Additionally, even with his contempt for Cleopatra, he instituted several laws and policies in the Roman Empire that reflected the Hellenistic monarchy of her rule. Her influence on Roman aesthetics and law remained strong long after her death. I also found it interesting that Octavian would later place Cleopatra’s daughter on the throne with her husband Juda II (154). Octavian was interesting to learn about with his actions during the war, and his later actions as
Cleopatra VII was born in 69 BCE in Alexandria. During the early years of her life Egypt was in great turmoil and the central power was unstable. After 25 years of turmoil under several rulers Egypt was recaptured by Ptolemy XII with eh help of Rome. The throne was restored to Ptolemy XII Auletes, Cleopatra’s father, and she was chosen as the deputy of her father at the age of 14. After Ptolemy XII died Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XIII were chosen as joint monarchs in accordance to their father’s will.
Through diplomacy and her long affair with Julius Caesar, Cleopatra worked to maintain a measure of independence for Egypt and power for herself and her dynasty. After the death of Caesar, her romantic alliance switched to his supporter Mark Antony. Together, Cleopatra and Antony challenged Rome, now under the leadership of Octavian, for control of the eastern Mediterranean. Their disastrous defeat at the Battle of Actium sent them retreating to Egypt to await the final wrath of Octavian as he pursued his
Cleopatra played her rise to power and reign almost masterfully, during the period in which the Mediterranean world was in a time of profound transition. This created an intricate web of political alliances, rivalries, and power struggles in which Cleopatra played an essential role. Her legacy as an influential leader lives on today, her life and reign continue to fascinate scholars and historic enthusiasts
The dynasty experienced bloodshed due to the two heirs' issues. Cleopatra's advisors betrayed her soon after she ascended to the throne, forcing her to leave Egypt. Cleopatra gathered an army while living in exile in Syria and left for Egypt's frontiers to
She is one of the most iconic figures in Ancient Egyptian history, and her actions had a profound and lasting impact on the course of history. According to S Riad in The Leadership Quarterly, “Cleopatra was a leader of great influence, and her influence extended beyond Egypt…she was a great military strategist, a shrewd negotiator, and a political innovator” (2011). Through her leadership, she was able to forge alliances with powerful rulers in Rome and other parts of the Mediterranean world. Furthermore, her political maneuvering was credited with keeping Egypt’s independence intact for a time. In addition, her legacy of promoting advances in science and culture, including the building of the Library of Alexandria, continues to be celebrated today.
Contreras, Reagan Mrs.Holloway Class 1 18 January 2023 Did you know that Cleopatra VII is not Egyptian? She is Greek. She was a relative of Alexander the Great and was known for being the last pharaoh of the Ptolemaic Dynasty. Cleopatra was witty and charming.
To begin, Plutarch uses the idea of people who have power do not want to lose it as an incredibly important lesson throughout the story by depicting how Antony always did what was necessary to stay in power. For example, Plutarch spent a considerable amount of time depicting Antony and Octavia getting married as well as Antony seemingly naming Cleopatra the “Queen of Kings” and himself the “King of Kings”. He describes his children as the “King of kings”, and gives them control over land that they may not even have control over (Plutarch 515). Plutarch also describes that Cleopatra, “dressed in the habit of the goddess Isis, and gave the audience to the people under the name of New Isis” (Plutarch 515). Plutarch writes about this to allude
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.
Her administration indicated talented utilization of open correspondence and strategy. Cleopatra's most noteworthy achievement amid her time as ruler was to join a torn Kingdom, and enhance its economy. She achieved this by using her insight and political ability and manufacturing power partnerships with Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony. She fortified exchange with the Eastern countries to keep up autonomy from Rome.
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
Who do you picture when you imagine Cleopatra? Some may see a beautiful, powerful, and alluring pharaoh, the last in a dynasty of Macedonian rulers founded by Ptolemy. Others may see a sex-crazed, attention-hogging harlot who would have slept with anyone for power. The truth is, Cleopatra VII of Egypt was a popular, charming leader, although many people do not realize this because they are imagining her through Roman eyes. Roman propaganda painted her as a crazy, seductive queen who wanted too much power—something women were not allowed to have.
Due to her hunger for power, Cleopatra manipulated two influential Roman leaders, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, which ultimately lead to their demise. Beginning with a powerful family, but later had her power diminished, Cleopatra continued with an addiction for power, so she used her mastery in seduction to persuade Roman leaders to recover her power and throne in Egypt. However, the overall outcome of Cleopatra’s romantic relationship with the Roman leaders left the people of Rome on edge. This resulted in the murder of Julius Caesar and the unfortunate suicide of Mark Antony. Born within a family with great political power, 18 year old Cleopatra and her 10 year old brother, Ptolemy VIII, became co-regent leaders after of their father’s death in 51 B.C.
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;
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.
Introduction: Egyptian Queen Cleopatra is known as one of the most renowned figures in history. Her reign in Egypt was not only significant for its length and accomplishments but also for its relationship with the Roman Empire. However, despite her accomplishments, she met a tragic end, and the reason for her downfall is often attributed to her alliance with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. In this learning journal, we will explore the power struggle referred to in the statement from World History Encyclopedia and consider what could have been done differently to avoid the Roman conquest of Egypt (Al-Nouri, 2020).