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Another female ruler who catches the imagination to this day is Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. Her image will be forever connected to the representation by Elizabeth Taylor in the movie. Black square wig, classical features and huge, kohl lined eyes and vivid eye shadow, not to mention fabulous clothes. Of all the attributes only the clothes seem to have any connection to the truth.

Cleopatra VII Philopator was born in 69BC. She was a hellenistic ruler and her main language was Greek. So was her appearance and her hair do. As contemporary coins and statues show, Cleopatra was far from beautiful. She had a big, hooked nose and wore her hair in the hellenistic style.

Her seductive powers over first Ceasar and later Marc Anthony were hardly owed to her physique. She was however a highly intelligent and educated woman, who spoke nine languages. She was actually the first of the pharoes to speak Egyptian. Undoubtedly, Cleopatra had great charm and charisma as well as, reportedly, a musical voice. She was also a  ruthless and shrewd politician and her relationships with Caesar and Marc Anthonyt might have had more to do with her intentions to secure her powers and throne than personal inclinations. Probalby both, to do her justice.

When she came to power aged only 18, she originally ruled with her father. After his death, she married her brother as was the custom of the Egyptian pharaoes, who was only 12. He was just a figure head, the real ruler was Cleopatra. After she became sole ruler, Rome threatened to conquer Egypt and Cleopatra’s liaison with Caesar began. That’s when the famous episode of the carpet took place. Legend has it, that she smuggled herself into his camp, rolled into a carpet from which she seductively emerged before him. Not surpisingly, Caesar was charmed and they became lovers and the parents of Caesarion.

After Caesar’s assessination and the power struggles which followed, it was Mark Anthony’s turn to fall into the politcal and personal web of Cleopatra. They had three children, including a pair of twins and Marc Anthony married her in an Egyptian ceremony although he was already married in Rome. Cleopatra wisely promoted her role as the reincarnation of the Egyptian goddess Isis, the epitom of wisdom.

After the defeat of their joint armies in Actum, Cleopatra committed suicide by putting her hand into a basket full of poisenous snakes.

Without doubt, the fascination with this outstanding queen will endure.