Cleopatra Flashcards
Who was Cleopatra VII?
Cleopatra VII was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.
When was Cleopatra born?
Cleopatra was born in 69 BCE.
What was Cleopatra’s background?
She was of Macedonian Greek descent from the Ptolemaic dynasty that ruled Egypt.
Who were Cleopatra’s famous Roman allies and partners?
Cleopatra formed alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
Why did Cleopatra form relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony?
To secure political support and protect Egypt’s sovereignty.
What major battle marked the decline of Cleopatra’s reign?
The Battle of Actium in 31 BCE.
How did Cleopatra die?
Cleopatra took her own life, traditionally believed by allowing an asp (a venomous snake) to bite her.
What language did Cleopatra speak that was unusual for her dynasty?
Cleopatra spoke Egyptian, which was rare for the Ptolemaic rulers who mostly spoke Greek.
Who were Cleopatra’s co-rulers before she ruled alone?
Her brothers, Ptolemy XIII and later Ptolemy XIV.
Which Roman ruler annexed Egypt after Cleopatra’s death?
Octavian, who became Emperor Augustus, annexed Egypt.
How is Cleopatra remembered today?
Cleopatra is remembered as a powerful, intelligent, and strategic ruler, often seen as a symbol of female leadership.
What dynasty did Cleopatra belong to?
The Ptolemaic dynasty.
What was Cleopatra’s relationship with Caesarion?
Caesarion was Cleopatra’s son, whom she claimed was the son of Julius Caesar.
Which significant cultural institution did Cleopatra support?
The Library of Alexandria.
What was the political context of Cleopatra’s reign?
Cleopatra ruled during the last years of the Hellenistic period, when Rome was expanding its influence across the Mediterranean.
