Many facts are known about the history of Ancient Egypt. Thanks to archaeological finds and literary sources, we learned about the majestic beauty, the smartest woman of antiquity - Cleopatra. She was the last queen of Hellenistic Egypt, distinguished by charm, impudence, lust for power, spoke seven languages, and was the author of the most diverse books - from measurement systems to cosmetology. The life of Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, is covered with legends and a halo of mystery.

It is known that its main political task the queen considered protecting Egypt from Roman enslavement. For one reason or another, her name has remained for centuries, associated with Julius Caesar and Marcus Aurelius. It is these relationships that formed the basis of literary and cinematic works. Death overtook the queen during the defeat of her army near Actium, according to historical sources, she took snake venom to escape the shame of becoming a prisoner. It happened in August 30 BC.

For over two millennia, this royal person and excites the thoughts and considerations of mankind. We want to open the veil of secrecy over her fate as much as possible.

• When Cleopatra was 18 years old, and the time of her reign came, she had to marry her brother Ptolemy, who was 9 years old. It was believed that a woman could not sit on the throne and reign on her own.
• The reign of Cleopatra and Ptolemy lasted 4 years. At this time, the queen was "working" on her alliance with Julius Caesar. The younger brother, outraged by the behavior of his sister, raised a rebellion, in which he lost, and subsequently drowned in the Nile.
• Cleopatra ensured the independence of her country from Rome, seducing with its charm and beauty two prominent Roman rulers: Caesar and Antony. This connection allowed Egypt to feel free for 20 years.
• Two distinguished husbands in alliance with Cleopatra left heirs: from Julius Caesar she had Caesarion, from Mark Antony - Cleopatra Selene and Ptolemy II Philadelphus.
• Prosperity and wealth of Egypt allowed his queen to present guests at the holidays with palanquins along with porter slaves and horses with golden harness.
• According to the historian Plutarch, Cleopatra "surrendered herself to favor" with Caesar, ordering her to be rolled up in expensive carpets and presented to the Roman in this way.
• Cleopatra ignored the first meetings with Mark Antony. The reason was not only the desire to intrigue the fan, but also to amaze him with her visit: she wanted to appear before him on a ship with scarlet sails and strewn with rose petals. Mark had to wait until the ship was completed.
• Cleopatra's wealth and extravagance were legendary. Philosophers of antiquity used to say that the queen possessed the philosopher's stone, an object capable of turning metal into gold.
• Cleopatra was fond of practical cosmetology. According to a physician of that time, she helped Caesar cope with baldness, preparing special ointments and mixtures for him with her own hands.
• Death overtook the queen when she was carefully guarded by Octavian's guards. A peasant made his way to her by cunning, carrying with him a basket of figs. In the same basket was the cobra.
• According to another version, the poison was prepared long before the day of the supposed death. It was kept in the head of a hairpin.
• Fighting together Cleopatra and Mark Antony vowed to die together. After the death of the queen, Mark threw himself on the sword.
• Modern technologies have allowed scientists to recreate the appearance of Cleopatra, which you can also see in one of

August 12, 30 BC e. Egyptian queen Cleopatra committed suicide inside the mausoleum in Alexandria. She was the last independent pharaoh that Ancient Egypt knew. For two decades, Cleopatra fought a relentless power struggle with her siblings, battled the future Roman emperor, and was involved in military alliances and amorous affairs with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. She is remembered as one of the most striking and charming figures of antiquity, but many facts of her life are either unknown or remain myths. You have the opportunity to learn 10 amazing facts about the legendary Queen of the Nile.

1 Cleopatra Wasn't Egyptian

Despite the fact that Cleopatra was born in Egypt, the roots of her family go back to Macedonia and Greece. She belonged to the dynasty of Ptolemy I Soter (one of the generals of Alexander the Great). Ptolemy took over the reins of Egypt after the death of Alexander in 323 BC. e. and became the founder of a dynasty of Greek-speaking rulers. The Ptolemaic dynasty ruled in Egypt for almost three centuries. Despite her origins, Cleopatra adopted many of the ancient traditions of the land she ruled and was the first of the Ptolemaic dynasty to learn the Egyptian language.

2 She Was Born By Incest

Like many rulers, members of the Ptolemaic dynasty entered into marriages within their own family in order to preserve the purity of the bloodline. More than a dozen of Cleopatra's ancestors tied the knot with their cousins, so it is possible that her father and mother were also brother and sister. In accordance with tradition, Cleopatra married two of her brothers, and each of them served as her ceremonial husband and regent during different periods of her reign.

3 Cleopatra's Beauty Wasn't Her Biggest Accomplishment

Roman propaganda made Cleopatra a depraved seductress who used her sex appeal as a political weapon. Regardless, she should have been known for her intelligence, not her looks. She spoke dozens of different foreign languages ​​and was educated in mathematics, philosophy, rhetoric, and astronomy. Egyptian sources later described her as a ruler who was elevated to the ranks of scholars and enjoyed their respect. There is also evidence that Cleopatra was not as attractive as is commonly believed. Coins with her portrait depict a masculine face with a hooked nose, although some historians argue that she specifically ordered her image to be made more masculine and masculine. For his part, the ancient writer Plutarch argued that Cleopatra's beauty was not so incomparable, but this was compensated by the "caressing the ear" voice and irresistible charm, which made her so desirable.

4. She had a hand in the death of three brothers and sisters

Forceful seizure of power and murder were as much a Ptolemaic tradition as were marriages within the family, and Cleopatra and her siblings were no different. Her first husband, who was also her brother, Ptolemy XIII expelled her from Egypt when she tried to completely seize power, so the couple met already during the civil war. Cleopatra managed to win, as she made an alliance with Julius Caesar, and Ptolemy drowned in the Nile after being defeated in battle. After the war, Cleopatra married her younger brother Ptolemy XIV, but it is assumed that he was also killed when she tried to make her son her co-emperor. In 41 BC. e. she also eliminated her sister Arsinoe, whom she considered a rival in the struggle for the throne.

5. Cleopatra knew how best to present herself.

Cleopatra considered herself a living embodiment of the goddess and often played a role in front of her allies in order to win their favor and strengthen her divine status. A famous example of her talent for dramatic acting: in 48 BC. e., when Julius Caesar arrived in Alexandria during her feud with her brother, knowing that Ptolemy would prevent her from meeting with the Roman commander, she wrapped herself in a carpet. Some sources say that it was a linen bag. Thus she was brought into Caesar's private quarters. The commander was blinded by the appearance of the young queen and agreed to become her ally.

Cleopatra used a similar representation a little later, in 41 BC. e., during a meeting with Mark Antony. When she was on her way to meet the Roman triumphant at Tarsus, she ordered the construction of a golden barge with purple sails and oars adorned with silver. Outwardly, she resembled the goddess Aphrodite and sat under a gilded canopy, while her servants in cupid costumes burned sweet-smelling incense. Antony, who believed himself to be the incarnation of the Greek god Dionysus, was instantly captivated.

6 Cleopatra Was Living In Rome At The Time Of Caesar's Assassination

Cleopatra joined Julius Caesar in Rome in 46 BC. e., and her presence caused quite a stir. Caesar did not hide the fact that they were lovers, she also brought their common child to the city. Many Romans were outraged when he erected a gilded statue of her in the temple of Venus Progenitor. Cleopatra was forced to flee when Caesar was assassinated in the Senate in 44 BC. e., but before that she managed to leave her mark on the city. Her exotic pearly hairstyle became a fashion trend, and according to historian Joan Fletcher, many women began to imitate Cleopatra. Their statues have even been mistaken for images of Cleopatra herself.

7. Cleopatra and Mark Antony created their own club

The legendary romance of Cleopatra and Mark Antony began in 41 BC. e. Their relationship had a political basis. Cleopatra needed Antony to protect the throne and preserve the independence of Egypt, while the commander needed access to the wealth of the country. But they also enjoyed spending time in each other's company. According to ancient sources, the winter of 41-40 years. BC e. they spent together relaxing and enjoying the riches of Egypt, and even created their own club, known as the Inimitable Liver. The club was engaged in organizing nightly feasts, and its members sometimes participated in complex games and competitions. It is said that Antony and Cleopatra's favorite pastime was to wander the streets of Alexandria in disguise and play pranks on the inhabitants of the city.

8 She Led A Fleet In A Naval Battle

Cleopatra married Mark Antony and bore him three children, but their relationship also caused a public scandal in Rome. Antony's rival Octavian used propaganda to portray the general as a traitor who fell victim to the intrigue of a seductress. As a result, in 32 BC. e. The Roman Senate declared war on Cleopatra. The conflict reached its climax the following year, during the famous Battle of Actium. Cleopatra personally led several dozen Egyptian ships, but they were not enough to fight Octavian's navy. The battle soon turned to flight, and Cleopatra and Antony were forced to hide in Egypt.

9 Cleopatra May Not Have Died From A Snake Bite

Cleopatra and Antony committed suicide in 30 BC. e., after Octavian pursued them to Alexandria. If there are no secrets with Antony's death (he killed himself with a sword), then Cleopatra's death is not so clear. The legend says that she died from the bite of an Egyptian cobra in her hand, but the ancient chronicler Plutarch reports that no one knows the truth. He says that Cleopatra may have hidden a deadly poison in one of her combs, and the historian Strabo notes that she may have used a fatal "ointment". Given this, many historians are inclined to think that she could use a pin dipped in some kind of powerful toxin, for example, snake venom.

10. The film about Cleopatra, filmed in 1963, became one of the most expensive in the history of cinema

In 1963, the film "Cleopatra" was filmed. The film's original budget went from $2 million to $44 million, with Taylor's costumes alone running at $200,000. It was the most expensive film at the time of its release and practically bankrupted the studio that made it. Given inflation, it remains one of the most expensive to date.

One of the most famous and influential women in history was without a doubt Cleopatra, the last queen of Hellenistic Egypt. She was distinguished by an extraordinary mind, insight, managed to prove herself a strong leader and an excellent strategist. Here are some interesting facts about this bright and controversial personality.

10 PHOTOS

1. She was not an Egyptian.

Cleopatra's father, Ptolemy XII Avletes, was of Greek origin. He took over as ruler of Egypt after the death of Alexander the Great.

2. She was born as a result of incest.

Cleopatra's father married his sister, starting the royal tradition of incest. Since then, in this family, marriages between brothers and sisters have become commonplace.

3. Most likely, she was not a beauty.

Historians claim that the famous queen of Egypt had an attractive appearance, but no more. However, Cleopatra knew how to take care of herself and used cosmetics made according to her own recipes. She fascinated men not only with her appearance and manners, but also with her education: Cleopatra knew more than 7 languages, was well versed in the philosophy, mathematics, politics and literature of that time.

4. Cleopatra, if necessary, did not disdain murder.

She married her younger brother Ptolemy XIII when she was 18 and he was only 12. Together they ruled for 4 years until the young king rebelled against Cleopatra. Joining forces with Julius Caesar, the queen crushed the uprising. Soon her ex-husband drowned in the Nile River. After that, Cleopatra married another of her younger brothers, Ptolemy XIV, but soon he also died under mysterious circumstances. Cleopatra also persuaded Mark Antony to kill her sister Arsinoe, who was her rival in the struggle for the throne.

5. She knew how to impress.

According to the ancient Greek writer Plutarch, in order to subdue Julius Caesar, Cleopatra ordered herself to be rolled up in blankets, tied with a rope and presented to the commander in this form. Thus, she wanted to show Caesar that she relies on his mercy. No less impressive Cleopatra managed to appear before Mark Antony. She sailed to him on a ship with scarlet sails, gilded stern and silvered oars, and the deck was strewn with rose petals.

6. Cleopatra was in Rome at the time of Caesar's assassination.

Their relationship continued for a long time, and the presence of Cleopatra in Rome became one of the reasons that accelerated the death of Caesar. The queen soon left Rome, leaving behind a legacy of fashion—at the time, many Roman women copied her exotic hairstyles and pearl jewelry.

7. She knew how to have fun.

Although her relationship with Antony was politically motivated, they really enjoyed spending time together, especially for some fun. In Alexandria, Cleopatra and Antony founded their own club, known as the Inimitable Liver. The club was engaged in organizing night feasts, during which various games and competitions were held.

8. She once led a navy in battle.

When Cleopatra married Mark Antony, it caused a public scandal in Rome and led to war as a result. During the Battle of Actium, the queen personally commanded a fleet of several dozen Egyptian ships. However, this was not enough for a successful battle with Octavian's navy, and soon Cleopatra had to retreat to Egypt.

9. Cleopatra may not have died from a snakebite.

Legend has it that when Cleopatra learned of Mark Antony's suicide, she killed herself by being bitten by a venomous snake. But some historians are inclined to believe that Cleopatra died using poison hidden in her hairbrush. There is also a version according to which she committed suicide by smearing herself with a deadly mixture of opium and hemlock.

10. The film about Cleopatra, filmed in 1963, became one of the most expensive in the history of cinema.

In 1963, Cleopatra was filmed, starring Elizabeth Taylor. The film's original budget of $2 million soon grew to a whopping $44 million, with Cleopatra's costumes alone costing around $200,000.

In 2000, Cleopatra's only surviving autograph was discovered in the Berlin Egyptian Museum. This event prompted me to dedicate a short article to this unique historical personality, who is still able to surprise with his deeds.

In fact, the full name of the last queen of Egypt was Cleopatra Thea Philopator VII. The prefix, in the form of the Roman number seven, indicates that she was the seventh ruler of Egypt, with that name. But, it was she, of all Cleopatra, who managed to leave the most noticeable mark in history.

Contrary to beliefs, Cleopatra was not an Egyptian at all. She came from the Ptolemaic dynasty. Its founder was a close associate of Alexander the Great, who, after the death of the great commander, reigned over all of Egypt.

Cleopatra, at the age of 18, married her 12-year-old brother Ptolemy XIII, and together with him, for 4 years, ruled the country, until he rebelled against the queen and her ally Julius Caesar, naturally lost and, escaping fled, drowned in the Nile.

Many believe that Cleopatra was a beauty, but historians are sure of the opposite. Her image, on the coins of that time, bears little resemblance to the symbol of beauty, however, beauty is a purely individual concept.

Beauty Cleopatra on the coins of that time. Perhaps the sculptor-chaser was simply a bad portrait painter.

But, no one argues with the fact that Cleopatra possessed incredible charm and the ability to manipulate men. She managed to seduce the two most famous Romans of that time, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and her persuasion skills guaranteed the 20-year independence of the Egyptian kingdom from the Roman conquerors. The level of intelligence of the queen is evidenced by at least the fact that she knew 9 languages.

Queen Cleopatra had four children: Caesarion (from Julius Caesar), as well as Alexander Helios, Cleopatra Selene and Ptolemy II Philadelphus (from Mark Antony).

Cleopatra helped Julius Caesar fight baldness with a cosmetic treatment using a mixture of crushed horse teeth, bear fat, fried mice, and deer antler.

Her lover Mark Antony committed suicide after being told false information about Cleopatra's death. Subsequently, Cleopatra also committed suicide by poisoning herself with the venom of an Egyptian cobra. She had been preparing for such a fate since the catastrophic defeat of the allied fleet of Mark Antony and Cleopatra, in the naval battle of Actium, against

Octavian Augusta. The queen founded the "Society of jointly striving for death", held holidays in crypts, dissected and embalmed corpses with her own hands, tested poisons on prisoners in order to determine which one delivers death as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Cleopatra was one of the richest queens in history - she filled the treasury with high taxes that surprised even the conquerors. The Roman occupiers, after her death, significantly reduced the tax rate (according to some reports from 12 to 4%)

The Greek historian Plutarch recounted events about a century after Cleopatra's death, describing her physical qualities with skepticism. He wrote that she did not possess unsurpassed beauty. Nevertheless, he attributed to her "attractive charm", called her intellectual and talented. Cleopatra knew how to show people that they were in the center of her attention, and this quality, and not beauty, was her winning trait with Caesar and Antony. Let's look at more interesting facts about Cleopatra.

1. Fable said that if the nose of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra had been an inch shorter, world history would have been different.
2. She was considered one of the best standards of beauty.
3. Cleopatra made lipstick from an extract of red pigment from carmine beetles and ants.
4. Folklore says that she bathed daily in camel milk, and then the milk was distributed among the people of Cairo.
5. For 20 years as the ruler of Egypt, she successfully surpassed her opponents, using her beauty for power, fighting with her relatives, with the emperors of Rome, entering into military alliances and conducting fanatical affairs with Caesar and Mark Antony.
6. Strange, but true, Cleopatra was not an Egyptian and her ancestry came from Macedonian Greece, the family of Ptolemy Soler, one of the commanders of Alexander the Great.
7. Alexander appointed guardians to govern his vast empire, which stretched from Greece to western India.
8. Ptolemy I Soter was appointed to govern Egypt after the death of Alexander. He founded a dynasty of Greek-speaking rulers who ruled for three centuries.
9. Cleopatra was not Egyptian, but she loved Egyptian culture and also studied the Egyptian language.
10. Little is known about her mother, Cleopatra VI Tryfan, the king's consort, who may have been his sister. After the death of the Alets, the Egyptian throne passed to 18-year-old Cleopatra and her 10-year-old brother Ptolemy XIII.

    

11. Cleopatra became the pharaoh of Egypt at the age of eighteen. She was also the last pharaoh of Egypt.
12. For the sake of the purity of the pedigree, members of the Ptolemaic dynasty married members of their family. Cleopatra also married her younger brothers, who served as ceremonial husbands and regents at various times during her reign.
13. Cleopatra is known in popular culture as a ruthless seductress who uses her sexuality to overcome political disputes. However, she is also known for her intelligence and deep knowledge of mathematics, philosophy, oratory, and astronomy.
14. She knew more than 12 languages ​​and always encouraged scientists and thinkers. She really enjoyed being in their company.
15. There is another version that is skeptical about Cleopatra's sexual attractiveness. It says that Cleopatra was the owner of a hooked nose, and this is confirmed by the images on the coins with her portrait. However, she was a good speaker, had a soft voice and "irresistible charm",
16. Cleopatra did not live in peace with her sisters and brothers. She was expelled by her husband Ptolemy XIII, which involved himself in a civil war. Cleopatra defeated Ptolemy XIII with the help of Julius Caesar, and Ptolemy himself was killed in the battle.
17. Cleopatra's brother Ptolemy VIII was only 10 years old when Cleopatra married him and made him co-ruler.
18. It is believed that Cleopatra killed her younger brother Ptolemy XIV in order to make her son co-ruler of Egypt.
19. Cleopatra also ordered the destruction of her sister Arsinoe, whom she considered a rival to the throne.
20. Folklore says that Cleopatra tricked herself into Julius Caesar's camp and seduced the Roman general with her charms.



She used a similar technique to seduce Mark Antony when she arrived on a golden barge adorned with purple sails and silver oars. The golden barge complemented her irresistible beauty and captivated Mark Antony

21. Cleopatra joined Caesar in Rome in 46 BC. e., caused quite a stir with her exotic hairstyle, and her pearl jewelry became a fashion trend. However, after the assassination of Caesar by Brutus, she had to flee Rome.
22. Cleopatra began her romance with the Roman general Mark Antony in 41 BC. It was a mutually beneficial relationship. She held the throne of Egypt, and Mark Antony wanted to own the riches of Egypt.
23. Cleopatra eventually married Mark Antony and bore him three children. However, their relationship caused a storm in Rome. Antony's rival, Octavian, accused Mark Antony of treason, and the Roman Senate in 32 BC. declared war on Cleopatra.
24. Cleopatra herself led several warships, but after being defeated by Octavian's fleet, she had to retreat to Egypt. In 31 BC. e. The combined army of Mark Antony and Cleopatra was defeated by Augustus at the Battle of Atium.
25. The month of August was named after the victory of Augustus over Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony.
26. Cleopatra and Antony committed suicide. Antony stabbed himself, and Cleopatra allowed a viper to bite her hand.
27. On August 12, 30 BC, the beautiful queen committed suicide in her palace.
28. There are many stories about how Cleopatra ended her life. One folklore said that she hid the poison in one of her combs and used it too late.
29. The character of Cleopatra was portrayed on the screen by the famous actresses Claudette Colbert and Sophia Loren.
30. The most expensive Cleopatra film, starring Elizabeth Taylor, depicts Cleopatra with a sword and sandal. The film was released in 1963 and was made on a $44 million budget. Despite inflation, even today it remains one of the most expensive films in history.
31. Cleopatra's relationship with Caesar and Mark Antony inspired many books and plays.