Cleopatra sources

Question 1

Cleopatra’s heritage

Answer 1

• The two coins of Cleopatra show her with Hellenistic characteristics such as a diadem and hooked nose
• The head of Cleopatra also shows us Cleopatra with a traditional Greek hairstyle
• The relief portrait shows Cleopatra and Caesarion wearing a traditional Egyptian headdress

Question 2

Cleopatra’s meeting with Caesar

Answer 2

Caesar summoned Cleopatra in secret as she was was exiled by Ptolemy 13. Cleopatra came to him carried in a sleeping bag.

Caesar was charmed and flattered by Cleopatra so reinstated her as co-ruler with her brother Ptolemy 13.

Caesar and Cleopatra were besieged by Potheinus, one of Ptolemy’s regency advisors

Cleopatra had a son called Caesarion after Caesar left.

(Plutarch)

Question 3

Antony’s meeting with Cleopatra

Answer 3

Cleopatra was invited to dinner but insisted Antony came to her

Cleopatra prepared a massive dinner

Cleopatra wasn’t beautiful but used her words to persuade people and spoke many languages

(Plutarch)

Question 4

Cleopatra’s manipulation of Antony

Answer 4

Cleopatra kept Antony under her control by keeping him busy

The story of how Cleopatra tricked Antony into catching a fish put there by her servants. She then said that he should be hunting cities not fish

Cleopatra tricked Antony into thinking She would waste away if she left with Octavia

(Plutarch)

Question 5

Antony’s love for Cleopatra

Answer 5

Antony gave many gifts including kingdoms to Cleopatra

Antony’s love for Cleopatra was his final disaster

(Plutarch)