What did Cleopatra Look Like?

 

The Death of Cleopatra arthur

What did Cleopatra Look Like? 

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Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of Egypt, is considered one of the most enigmatic and iconic figures in ancient history. Born in 69 B.C. into the Ptolemaic dynasty, she came from Macedonia and her family created a Greek rule in Egypt that lasted over 300 years after Alexander the Great conquered it in 332 B.C. Even though Cleopatra was raised in Egypt, her ancestry was predominantly Macedonian Greek, and the Ptolemies strongly supported Greek traditions in both culture and politics. Her family background displayed minimal mixing of marriages outside the Greek-Macedonian upper class, with a possible hint of Persian influences due to strategic royal connections.

Cleopatra and Ceasar by Jean-Léon Gérôme portrays the scene in which Cleopatra emerges from the carpet—probably somewhat disheveled, but dressed in her best finery

Cleopatra was raised in a politically intricate and risky atmosphere caused by Egypt's weakened position and Rome's growing influence in the Mediterranean. Upon the death of her father, Ptolemy XII, Cleopatra and her younger brother Ptolemy XIII took on the role of co-rulers of Egypt according to Ptolemaic customs. Yet, their joint governance was marred by conflict. Cleopatra tried to gain complete authority in Egypt, leading to a conflict for power with her brother's followers and eventually being forced out.

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In 49 B.C., Cleopatra fled to Syria and assembled a hired military force. In her quest to reclaim her position of authority, she returned to Egypt in 48 B.C., and it was her courageous encounter with Julius Caesar, the Roman general, that secured her reinstatement to power. Legend has it that Cleopatra arrived in a daring manner, potentially hidden in a carpet or sack, to meet Caesar. This meticulously planned gathering was not just for appearances; it was a tactical move to form an alliance with Caesar, whose backing was vital in influencing the direction of Egypt's destiny.

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Caesar was so impressed by Cleopatra's intelligence, charm, and political abilities that he decided to support her claim to the throne. With the help of her military, Cleopatra managed to overthrow her brother, who died in the Nile during a civil war. In accordance with Egyptian customs, Cleopatra married her younger brother, Ptolemy XIV, however, she ultimately wielded the most power in Egypt. Their relationship went further than just politics; Cleopatra and Caesar engaged in a romantic relationship, resulting in the birth of their son, Ptolemy Caesar, also called Caesarion. Nonetheless, Cleopatra was once again vulnerable after Caesar was killed in 44 B.C., which prompted her to plan her brother's assassination in order to ensure her son's position as her co-regent.

A likely posthumously-painted portrait of Cleopatra, from Roman Herculaneum, Italy, dated to the 1st century AD.

For centuries, historians have been fascinated by the allure of Cleopatra, engaging in ongoing debates about her looks. While ancient Roman writers including Plutarch acknowledge her beauty, they emphasize her intelligence and charming personality as her greatest qualities. Cleopatra was skilled in multiple languages, a compelling orator, and possessed a deep knowledge of statecraft and diplomacy. Her image has been immortalized on currency and sculptures, depicting a woman with unique, majestic characteristics like a prominent nose, full lips, and a narrow forehead. These depictions, despite being stylized, offer understanding of how she might have been viewed in.

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Throughout her lifetime, Cleopatra was known for being not only a political figure, but also a skilled manipulator of symbols and public perception. She strategically connected herself with influential gods like Isis, the Egyptian deity of fertility and motherhood, to validate her authority among her people, rather than solely for religious reasons. Cleopatra emphasized her power and aura by portraying herself as a divine being, creating a sensation in Rome while being involved with Caesar. Furthermore, sculptures of her were installed in Rome, with one portraying her as Venus and her son Caesarion as Cupid, further merging her political and sacred identities.

Marble portraits of Cleopatra at an exhibition at The British Museum in London 10 April 2001. British Museum

Following Caesar’s death, Cleopatra turned her attention to another powerful Roman figure: Mark Antony. Just like her past involvement with Caesar, her relationship with Antony was a mix of personal and political aspects. Cleopatra and Antony allied together, forming a romantic bond, creating an empire that rivalled the power of the Roman Senate. Their collaboration resulted in the creation of three offspring and cemented Cleopatra's status as one of the most powerful women in the Mediterranean area. Nevertheless, Octavian, who was Julius Caesar's adopted son and would eventually become the emperor of Rome, was disturbed by their ambitions. The climax of the conflict between Antony and Octavian came during the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C., leading to a definitive victory for Octavian over Antony and Cleopatra's armies.

The Egyptian queen frequently surrounded herself with splendor, but luxury was less an indulgence than a political tool. Anthony and Cleopatra by Lawrence Alma-Tadema, 1885

After being defeated, Cleopatra and Antony retreated to Egypt for safety. Confronting the unavoidable Roman takeover, Cleopatra attempted one last negotiation with Octavian to protect her children's future. Nonetheless, Octavian was determined to display Cleopatra as a prisoner in his victory parade in Rome. Upon understanding that Octavian would not be moved by her pleas, Cleopatra chose suicide instead of facing public embarrassment. Traditionally, it is believed that she died by letting a poisonous snake, an asp, bite her, although the specific details are still being discussed. After hearing about Cleopatra's death, Antony decided to end his own life as well.

Silver coin. Alexandria, Egypt. 47-46 BC. British Museum

The end of Cleopatra marked the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the start of Egypt's integration into the Roman Empire. Caesarion, her son, was executed by Octavian's order, completely eliminating the last remnants of Ptolemaic rule. Even though Cleopatra did not succeed in her political ambitions, her image as a smart, driven, and highly intelligent ruler remains intact. Utilizing her relationships with powerful men, she demonstrated great skill in politics, ensuring her kingdom's independence for as much time as she could.

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Debate regarding Cleopatra's race and looks has endured through the ages. While mostly from Macedonian Greek origins, her exact ancestral lineage is unclear because of missing information in her family's past. Scholars generally concur that Cleopatra was mostly of Greek descent, about 75%, although uncertainties surrounding her mother and grandmother have led to debates about potentially having Egyptian or even sub-Saharan African ancestry. Regardless of her genetic background, Cleopatra's impact goes beyond discussions of race. She was a leader who fascinated both those living in her time and historians for many years, representing the complexities of power, politics, and gender in the ancient era.

Conclusion

Cleopatra VII was not merely the alluring portrayal seen in mainstream media. She showed great prowess in negotiation, military strategy, and navigating the turbulent politics of the late Hellenistic era. Her skill in earning respect from important individuals such as Julius Caesar and Mark Antony proves her political savvy, and her long-lasting influence shows her effectiveness as a leader who went beyond the limits of her era.

Khaled Sawada

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