Women In Ancient Politics Flashcards
Dynasty of the Ptolemies in Egypt part 2
- The later Ptolemies were corrupt and brutal
- Ptolemy XI was supported by Sulla a roman general
- the Egyptians killed Ptolemy XI but from then on, Egypt relied on Rome for survival
Dynasty of the Ptolemies in Egypt part 1
-Of Macedonian descent
-Founded by Ptolemy, one of Alexander’s generals
-Seized the rich lands of Egypt after Alexander’s death
-Ptolemy I died in 282BC and established Egypt as a superpower
- the next two Ptolemies increased economical potential
The Ptolemies were accepted as they carried on ancient traditions
Rome’s aims
They were not too interested in adding Egypt to their empire
The Egyptians didn’t like the idea of this too but still called upon the Romans to be allies for a reward
Ptolemy XI Auletes
Father of Cleopatra Considered to have been weak and corrupt Coins depict him as being typically Greek His benefactor was Pompey Made Egypt's infrastructure weak
Julius Caesar and Civil war 49-44BC
During the 60’s and the 50’s, Rome was governed by publics, Pompey and Caesar
After publius’ death the two had a civil war
Caesar defeated Pompey at pharsalus and he fled to Egypt where he was killed
The expansion of Egypt under Cleopatra
She revived Ptolemaic traditions
Gained lots of territories from Antony
The victories of Antony were celebrated in Alexandria
Her children were given royal titles
Cleopatra’s representation in sources
Greek descent (pointy nose)
Man like, showing she’s eligible to be a pharaoh
Plutarch quotes that her beauty was not outstanding but had an inescapable hold
Cunning
Plutarch’s descriptions of Cleopatras effect on Antony
‘It was more likely that she would have the greatest influence on him’
‘In this way she completely took control of Antony’
‘His passion for Cleopatra’
‘He was not in control of his own judgement’
Velleius Paterculus’ depictions of Cleopatra
‘As a result, he decided to wage war on his own country’
How fair are the depictions of Cleopatra?
All the writers were roman
Antony was still respected throughout Rome
Antony’s death
After Antony was defeated by Octavian at Actium, Cleopatra sent Antony a message saying that she had killed herself
According to Plutarch, Eros nearly stabs him but stops and Antony does it himself
It is said he didn’t die at first but died as he was taken to Cleopatras mausoleum
The reasons for Cleopatras suicide according to Plutarch
The thought of living apart from Antony was too much
The gods have betrayed her
She didn’t want to be depicted as the one who corrupted Antony
An account of Cleopatras death according to Horace
She didn’t fear the sword but wanted to die a nobler death
Was determined to die
No intention of being captured by the Romans
Caesar, Cleopatra and Caesarian
Their relationship was just to preserve their power and themselves
He would’ve abandoned her if she was not benefitting Rome
Why was Caesarian so important to Cleopatra
Provided links with Rome
Man heir to the Egyptian throne
Patronage from Rome
Had claims to the roman throne
