Written by: Jessica                  Cleopatra: The Last Pharaoh  

  

 

    Did you know that Cleopatra married her 12 year old brother at  age 17?  Cleopatra was an exciting and interesting person, and she is famous for many reasons. She had four children and many loves during her lifetime including Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony. She committed suicide shortly  after the death of a loved one.

     Cleopatra was  a wonderful and courageous ruler,  and she was a very intelligent person.  Cleopatra was born in 69 B.C. in Alexandria, Egypt. At the time Alexandria was the capital of Egypt.  Cleopatra took the throne after her father's  death, when she was only 17 years old. She married her younger brother Ptomley  who became her "co-ruler". It was a family custom to marry  a sibling.   

    Cleopatra was fluent in nine  different  languages.  She was the last Pharaoh  of Egypt. Cleopatra  is known for her tragic death. Cleopatra, although she lacked beauty, was a brave and ruthless leader. Many Romans feared and hated Cleopatra.  Cleopatra's family was not actually Egyptian but Mesopotamian.

    Cleopatra grew up in  quite a large family. Her father was  Pharaoh of Egypt, and  her mother was  most likely  her father's sister. Cleopatra had an  older sister named Cleopatra VI,  and her other sister's name was Bernice. She also had a younger sister, whose  name was Arisone. She had two brothers,  who were both called Ptomley. She was the third child born in her family.    

      When Cleopatra first came to rule, she ruled  along side  her younger brother.  Cleopatra's   brother was only 12 year old and his name was Ptomley .Pt and also ptomley  tried to dethrone Cleopatra, Ptomley   declared war on Cleopatra.

    Cleopatra is famous and respected for many reasons. She  first came to rule  in 51 B.C.,  and her  rule lasted till 30 B.C. Cleopatra was the last pharaoh of Egypt.  Cleopatra is also well known  for her tragic death. 

     Cleopatra had many loves during her rule, such as Mark Anthony and Julius Caesar.  Caesar helped  Cleopatra win the war against her younger brother, Ptomley. She gave birth to  a child by the name of Caesarion.  Caesarion was born on  June 23rd, 47 B.C. this child was rumored to be Caesar's child. Cleopatra and Julius's relationship ended when Caesar's reign as Roman ruler ended.  He  was stabbed 23 times  by his senators at a meeting.

    Cleopatra met Mark Anthony when she was staying in Rome as Caesar's guest. In 37 B.C. they were married. Mark Anthony had been married at the time he met Cleopatra. He divorced his wife  Ovtavian so he could be with Cleopatra. Mark Anthony  and Cleopatra had three children together. Two of those children were twins. Their names were Cleopatra Slene  and Alexandar Helios. Mark Anthony and Cleopatra's relationship ended  very abruptly when Mark Anthony committed suicide on the battle field. He was brought to Cleopatra and he died in her arms.

     Cleopatra was married to two of her siblings. This was not unusual in ancient Egypt.  She was married first to her 12 year old brother, then to her 10 year old brother.  

       Cleopatra committed suicide on  August 12th 30 B.C. at the age of 39,  shortly after Mark Anthony's death. She did so by placing a poisonous snake on either her arm or chest.  She did this because she felt her life as well as  her son's was in great danger. Her death marked the end in Egyptian Monarchs. 

     In conclusion,  Cleopatra was a brave and fearless leader. She was willing to do what ever it took to keep her people safe. She may have lacked beauty but  she was a strong and worthy leader. Cleopatra was a born leader.  She is a great historical figure. 

 

 Click here to go to my index

    Thanks to the following websites for information:

www.interoz.com/egypt/cleopatr.htm

www.royalty.nu/Africa/Egypt/Cleopatra.html

New standard encylopedia,Freguson publishing company

   .    

Research 1

 research 2

research 3