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Historical Background | Quseir Town

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Facts about Queen Cleopatra and the Macedonian dynasty

05 16, 2023

Queen Cleopatra VII (died 30 BC), was one of the most famous queens of the ancient world ever, and one of the most famous queens of Egypt throughout its long history. She witnessed one of the most significant eras in the history of Egypt. According to many historians, they consider her the last Queen of the Ptolemaic era, and after the end of her rule, Egypt entered the beginning of a new era with the entry of the Romans into Egypt.

According to the book "Cleopatra", the beginning of Queen Cleopatra VII's rule was when her father Ptolemy XII gave her the title of love for her father, which led to the continuation of the title used by her father. Secondly: it linked her to him as his legitimate heir, before she officially reached the ruler in 51 BC. Ptolemy XII died, leaving Egypt to Cleopatra VII and his eldest son Ptolemy XIII. Many great rulers for Egypt influenced the country and its people, when you visit Egypt with Cairo Top Tours, you will be accompanied by a professional Egyptologist during Egypt Easter Tours. They will unveil the secrets of the Egyptian kingdom to you.

Besides, it was recently said that Cleopatra may have ruled alone for the first year after her father's death. There is a belief that no official marriage ceremony was held between Ptolemy XIII and his sister and that the two ruled together only. The book explains that Cleopatra's name at the beginning of her rule came after her brother's name, indicating that he was the dominant ruler, at the same time Ptolemy XIII had obtained three new guardians; Photinus, Achilles, and one of his teachers, Theodotus of Chios, were the group who in turn planned to remove Cleopatra from power, which was achieved in 49 BC when Ptolemy XIII was declared the sole ruler of Egypt.

But it seems that this matter did not last long after the intervention of Caesar of Rome. After Caesar visits Alexandria, and in his capacity as supervisor of the implementation of the will of Ptolemy XII, their father, he demands that they disband their forces and settle the differences by presenting them to him and issuing his ruling on them instead of settling them using force. This matter also did not last long with the death of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra returning to control the throne but with her younger brother Ptolemy XIV.

It is believed that Cleopatra committed suicide after her partner’s death by a Copra snake. Despite knowing about her suicide, her grave is not discovered yet. It is believed to be in Alexandria, but its location had been changed after the earthquakes. Cleopatra was glorified by Egyptian people and till now, they still call many locations with her name. you can discover one of these places like Cleopatra Spring in Siwa during one of the Egypt Desert Safari Tours where you can swim in the natural warm water in the middle of the desert.

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Cleopatra VII, often referred to simply as Cleopatra, was the last pharaoh of ancient Egypt, ruling from 51 BC to 30 BC. She is one of the most famous and iconic figures in history due to her involvement with some of the most powerful leaders of her time and her role in the decline of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Here is an overview of Cleopatra VII and her historical significance:

Ptolemaic Dynasty: Cleopatra belonged to the Ptolemaic dynasty, a Greek royal family that ruled Egypt after the conquest of Alexander the Great. Her reign marked the last chapter of the Ptolemaic rule in Egypt.

Cultural Background: Despite being of Greek descent, Cleopatra embraced Egyptian culture and identified with the Egyptian people. She learned to speak the Egyptian language and associated herself with the Egyptian goddess Isis.

Relationships with Roman Leaders: Cleopatra is perhaps most famous for her romantic relationships with two prominent Roman leaders, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Her affair with Julius Caesar began in 48 BC, and she later bore him a son named Caesarion.

Death of Julius Caesar: After Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, Cleopatra aligned herself with Mark Antony, one of Caesar's allies, in the power struggles that followed. She formed a political and romantic alliance with Antony and had three children with him.

Conflict with Octavian (Augustus): Cleopatra's relationship with Mark Antony led to a conflict with Octavian, later known as Augustus Caesar. In 31 BC, the forces of Octavian defeated the combined forces of Cleopatra and Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium. Following this defeat, Cleopatra and Mark Antony committed suicide in 30 BC.

End of Ptolemaic Rule: Cleopatra's death marked the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the beginning of Egypt's incorporation into the Roman Empire. Egypt became a Roman province, and Cleopatra's children were taken to Rome.

Symbol of Beauty and Intrigue: Cleopatra's allure, intelligence, and charisma have made her a symbol of beauty and intrigue throughout history. Her life and relationships have been the subject of countless works of literature, art, and film.

Historical Legacy: Cleopatra's reign is significant as it marked the end of Egypt's independence and the beginning of its integration into the Roman Empire. Her story has captured the imagination of people for centuries and remains a subject of fascination and study.

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Facts about Queen Cleopatra and the Macedonian dynasty

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Facts about Queen Cleopatra and the Macedonian dynasty

Egypt Tours FAQ

Who was the famous last Pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra VII, and what is her historical significance?

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