The Greatest Queen of Egypt
“I will not be triumphed over.”(love-egypt.net) Cleopatra is one of the greatest known Queens of Egypt. The story of this great leader is one that will never be forgotten. Her struggles began at the young age of eighteen when her father Ptolemy XII King of Egypt died leaving her the ruler of Egypt (wikipedia.org). In order to keep the throne, Cleopatra was forced to marry her much younger brother Ptolemy XIII. In an attempt to save Egypt from the despair her brother left upon it she began an intricate love affair with two of the highest men in Rome (touregypt.net). Even though she let her love life get in the way, Cleopatra is the most famous queen in ancient Egypt because she took pride in her job as queen doing everything for her country and because of her sexual appeal (wikipedia.org).
Cleopatra’s mother Cleopatra V of Egypt was born of her union with Ptolemy XII Auletes who was a direct descendent of Alexander the Great (wikipedia.org). Corruption led to the loss of Cyprus and Cyrenaica making Ptolemy’s reign one of the most tragic of the dynasty. When Ptolemy made a voyage to Rome with Cleopatra, Cleopatra VI Trypharna took the crown but shortly after died under suspicious conditions (kingtotshop.com). It is believed that Berenice IV poisoned her in order to assume the rule over Egypt. Berenice did not rule Egypt until 55 BC when Ptolemy Auletes returned with Roman support capturing Alexandria (wikipedia.org). Berenice was later imprisoned and executed. Cleopatra, at the age 14 was joined with her father as co-ruler. In March 51 BC Ptolemy XII died leaving his will to Cleopatra and her much younger brother Ptolemy XIII. Due to economic difficulties, famine, scarce floods, and political conflicts the first three years of the twos reign was extremely difficult (love-egypt.com).
In August 51 BC relations between Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII completely fell apart. Cleopatra dropped Ptolemy’s name from official...