Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images, Cleopatra: Early Life and Ascension to Throne, Digging for the Truth: Cleopatra, the Last Pharaoh on HISTORY Vault, https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-egypt/cleopatra. Ptolemy's advisers conspired against Cleopatra, forcing her to leave Egypt (via Live Science). In 48 B.C.

Cleopatra and Julius Caesar became lovers. Cleopatra now ruled with her infant son, Ptolemy XV Caesar. Cleopatra, now married to her brother Ptolemy XIV, was restored to her throne. PLUS access to the BBC History Magazine Collectors Edition catalogue worth over 128* as part of your free access to HistoryExtra, Save 70% on the shop price when you subscribe today - Get 13 issues for just $49.99 + FREE access to HistoryExtra.com, Who was Cleopatra?

Caesar was to arbitrate a peace conference between the warring siblings. In the late 50s and into the 40s B.C., Cleopatra competed with her siblings two brothers, both named Ptolemy, and her sister, Arsinoe to rule Egypt. Although her brother had barred her from entering Alexandria, legend has it that a servant rolled her up in a carpet and smuggled her back into the palace. Here, she reveals six lesser-know facts about the Egyptian ruler.

The conflict reached its climax the following year in a famous naval battle at Actium. Cleopatras ships deserted the battle and fled to Egypt, and Antony soon managed to break away and follow her with a few ships. Julius Caesar died. In 41 B.C., she also engineered the execution of her sister, Arsinoe, who she considered a rival to the throne. His assassination put her own life in danger, and she fled with their young son across the river Tiber. On June 23, 47 B.C., the queen of Egypt gave birth to a son. On September 2, 31 B.C., Octavians forces soundly defeated those of Antony and Cleopatra in the Battle of Actium. Did you know? Cleopatra was in Rome when Caesar was murdered in 44 bce.

Cleopatra became a ruler earlier than most would feel comfortable with. Marriage within the family was common among the royal family in ancient Egypt. After returning to Egypt after her parents' death, Cleopatra Selene lived with her siblings at Octaivas house. According to Britannica, Cleopatra likely married Ptolemy XIII soon after the 51 BCE death of her father, Ptolemy XII. Her throne was beginning to look a bit rocky at this point, but lucky enough for the Ptolemaic queen, there was trouble brewing in Rome after Julius Caesar was killed, and the empire was about to be torn apart. In the late 50s and into the 40s B.C., Cleopatra competed with her siblings two brothers, both named Ptolemy, and her sister, Arsinoe to rule Egypt.

When, at the Battle of Philippi in 42 bce, Caesars assassins were routed, Mark Antony became the heir apparent of Caesars authorityor so it seemed, for Caesars great-nephew and personal heir, Octavian, was but a sickly boy. It didn't work.

After Cleopatras surrender and suicide in 31 BC, the pair are captured by Octavian and paraded through Rome in gold chains, behind an effigy of their mother. Author of. Ptolemy XIII likely drowned sometime later while running from his younger sister's army. From the Sphinx of Egypt to the Kama Sutra, explore ancient history videos. Power grabs and murder plots were as much a Ptolemaic tradition as family marriage, and Cleopatra and her brothers and sisters were no different.

WebNo views 5 minutes ago #cleopatra #marriage #brother Learn about why the Egyptian Pharaoh Queen Cleopatra married both of her brothers! She seduced Julius Caesar, who came, saw, and conquered her brother.

Jean-Lon Grme/Mezzo Mondo/Wikimedia Commons. After the Roman armies of Octavian (the future emperor Augustus) defeated their combined forces, Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide, and Egypt fell under Roman domination.

Cleopatra fled to Syria to marshal her own forces. Cleopatra fled to Syria but knew that Caesar, who happened to be visiting her former palace, could help her win back the throne.

But all of this came to an end when Octavian mounted a brutal attack from the sea, defeating the couple, and leading to Cleopatra and Antony both committing suicide. Arab writers refer to her as a scholar, and 400 years after her death a cult statue of Cleopatra was being honoured at Philae, a religious centre that also attracted pilgrims from further south, outside Egypt. Her first sibling-husband, Ptolemy XIII, ran her out of Egypt after she tried to take sole possession of the throne, and the pair later faced off in a civil war. Antony and Cleopatra fled to Egypt, and Cleopatra retired to her mausoleum as Antony went off to fight his last battle. Evidence shows that the first decree in which Ptolemys name precedes Cleopatras was in October of 50 bce. Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), https://www.history.com/news/10-little-known-facts-about-cleopatra.

Whether Ptolemy XIV realized it or not, his older sister had gained control both of the imagery and the government.. He also dubbed Caesarion Caesars true heir in direct defiance of Octavians claims and nominally distributed kingdoms to his three kids with Cleopatra. She was a descendant of Ptolemy I Soter, a general and friend of Alexander the Great. Sometime in 46-45 B.C., Cleopatra traveled with Ptolemy XIV and Caesarion to Rome to visit Caesar, who had returned earlier. WebAfter raising an army, Cleopatra returns to face her brother at Pelusium, on Egypts eastern border. Cleopatra had three children with Mark Antony: Ptolemy Philadelphus and twins Cleopatra Selene and Alexander Helios. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. The line had been founded by Alexanders general Ptolemy, who became King Ptolemy I Soter of Egypt. Live Science explains that her empire encompassed Egypt, Cyprus, a portion of present-day Libya, and various other segments of the Middle East.

Cleopatra commissioned coins and temple artwork depicting her and her own son as these deities. Though Cleopatra bore him a son, Caesar was already married, and Egyptian custom decreed that Cleopatra marry her remaining brother, Ptolemy XIV. Meanwhile, a conflict was raging in Rome between a second triumvirate of Caesars allies (Mark Antony, Octavian and Lepidus) and his assassins, Brutus and Cassius. Caesar sought money for repayment of the debts incurred by Cleopatras father, Auletes, as he struggled to retain his throne. Reigned: She assumed control of Egypt in 51 BC after the death of her father, Ptolemy XII, intially co-ruling with her brother XIII. Outside Europe, in Africa and in Islamic tradition, she was remembered very differently. Cause of death: Took her own life, possibly with poison. Warrior Women: Who Were the Gladiatrices of Ancient Rome? Octavian seized Antonys will (or what he claimed to be Antonys will) from the temple of the Vestal Virgins, to whom it had been entrusted, and revealed to the Roman people that not only had Antony bestowed Roman possessions on a foreign woman but intended to be buried beside her in Egypt. According to Caesars will, that was his biological great-nephew and adopted son, Gaius Octavius, also known as Octavian, and later known as Augustus Caesar. Cleopatra and Ptolemy marry. encounter with Mark Antony. Caesar was dazzled by the sight of the young queen in her royal garb, and the two soon became allies and lovers. It was clear to Octavian, watching from Rome, that Antony intended his extended family to rule the civilized world.

Their relationship had a political componentCleopatra needed Antony to protect her crown and maintain Egypts independence, while Antony needed access to Egypts riches and resourcesbut they were also famously fond of each others company. In 48 BC, Ptolemy tried to depose his sister, forcing her to flee to Syria and Egypt. At first, Caesar linked up with Ptolemy XIII after the murder of General Pompey but later linked up with Cleopatra. Upon her return to Egypt, Cleopatra immediately took steps to consolidate her rule. Ptolemy XIV's murder happened shortly after Cleopatra returned to Egypt following Caesar's assassination. In 44 B.C. Cleopatra was determined to keep her throne and, if possible, to restore the glories of the first Ptolemies and recover as much as possible of their dominions, which had included southern Syria and Palestine.

In the Egyptian scheme of things Pharoahs marry a sister to ensure the rulership never leaves the royal family. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC.

WebCleopatra, who had been exiled by her brother, was reinstalled as queen with Roman military support. The only member of her house to learn Egyptian, she was said to be a popular ruler.

Caesar remained in Egypt with Cleopatra for a time, and around 47 B.C. As aforementioned, the Ptolemies were ethnically Greek.

Upon Ptolemy XIIIs death after being defeated by her Roman-Egyptian armies, Cleopatra married his younger brother Ptolemy XIV. Ptolemy reigned Egypt after Alexanders death in 323 B.C., and he launched a dynasty of Greek-speaking rulers that lasted for nearly three centuries.

Though Cleopatra bore him a son, Caesar was already married, and Egyptian custom decreed that Cleopatra marry her remaining brother, Ptolemy XIV. Upon Ptolemy XIIIs death after being defeated by her Roman-Egyptian armies, Cleopatra married his younger brother Ptolemy XIV. After separating from his wife Octavia (sister of Octavian), Antony meets Cleopatra in Syria and the pair are said to have married. Antony needed Cleopatras financial support for his postponed Parthian campaign; in return, Cleopatra requested the return of much of Egypts eastern empire, including large portions of Syria and Lebanon and even the rich balsam groves of Jericho. It is likely, but not proven, that the two married soon after their fathers death. So its not at all unlikely that long before Cleopatra was born, her Greek heritage had become mixed with other strains. Wikimedia CommonsThe Egyptian goddess Isis holds her son, Horus, in her lap. Her life, her love affairs and her children, plus 6 little-known facts. She became the sole ruler when her brother was drowned during the Alexandrian War (47 B.C.). Legend has it that she encouraged a snake to bite her. Cleopatra VII ruled ancient Egypt as co-regent (first with her father, then with her two younger brothers and finally with her son) for almost three decades. While the rest of Rome was trying to put one foot in front of the other after Caesars death, Octavian was systematically figuring out who was a threat to his inheritance.

Like Mark Antony, who killed himself because there was no longer a place of honour for him in the world, Cleopatra chose to die rather than suffer the violence of being paraded, shamed and helpless, through Rome. From there, the couple would marry, according to History, giving Octavian reason to claim Antony was being led on a metaphorical leash by the queen.

Cleopatra: what is the real legacy of the last pharaoh? Get time period newsletters, special offers and weekly programme release emails. (This was consistent with the ancient Egyptian tradition of associating royalty with divinity in order to reinforce the position of kings and queens. It was also home to the great Pharos of Alexandria the 137-metre-tall lighthouse that towered over the city and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Cleopatra was married to her brother and co-ruler Ptolemy XIII, who was 10 years old at the time (she was 18).

Upon Ptolemy XIIIs death after being defeated by her Roman-Egyptian armies, Cleopatra married his younger brother Ptolemy XIV. Antony proclaimed Caesarion to be Caesars sonthus relegating Octavian, who had been adopted by Caesar as his son and heir, to legal illegitimacy. Upon Ptolemy XIIIs death after being defeated by her Roman-Egyptian armies, Cleopatra married his younger brother Ptolemy XIV. The Ptolemaic dynasty, a Macedonian-Greek royal family that had ties to Alexander the Great, had ruled Egypt since 305 BC. After Caesar was murdered in March 44 B.C.,Cleopatra went back to Egypt; Ptolemy XIV was killed soon after (possibly by Cleopatras agents) and the three-year-old Caesarion was named co-regent with his mother, as Ptolemy XV. Egypts population included people of many different ethnicities, and naturally that included Africans, since Egypt was a part of Africa. Julius Caesar died.

A Roman painting in the House of Marcus Fabius Rufus at Pompeii, Italy, depicting Cleopatra as Venus Genetrix and her son Caesarion as a cupid, Image Credit: Ancient Roman painter(s) from Pompeii, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. For example, at ceremonial events she would appear dressed as the goddess Isis: it was common for Egyptian rulers to identify themselves with an established deity. She was also multilingual historical accounts report her speaking between 5 and 9 languages, including her native Greek, Egyptian, Arabic and Hebrew. After 18-year-old Cleopatra married her 10-year-old brother and co-ruler, Ptolemy XIII, in 51 B.C., civil war broke out between the pair. Traditionally male rulers took the name Ptolemy, while Ptolemaic Queens were usually named Cleopatra, Arsino or Berenice. All Rights Reserved. But it was also because Caesar had no other sons though he was married to Calpurnia, and had had two wives before her and he had just made himself the most powerful man in Rome. According to legend, she is bitten by a poisonous snake, which kills her. Meanwhile, a conflict between Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Pompey leads both to Egypt, where Pompey is killed. Desperate to enlist Romes help to restore her to the throne, the banished Cleopatra smuggles herself into the presence of Julius Caesar, allegedly being delivered to him in a bed-sack.

A woman immortalised in film, on canvas and in print. The Ptolemies were the last dynasty to rule Egypt, from 305 to 30 BC. One of Antony and Cleopatras favorite activities supposedly involved wandering the streets of Alexandria in disguise and playing pranks on its residents.

Conflict ensued.

Learn how Cleopatra's relationship with Caesar and Mark Anthony brought the downfall of Egypt. It's believed that the siblings were married shortly after their reign began, but Britannica says that isn't 100% certain.

Roman propaganda painted Cleopatra as a debauched temptress who used her sex appeal as a political weapon, but she may have been more renowned for her intellect than her appearance. Cleopatra had one son with Julius Caesar, who she named Caesarion little Caesar. 2023, A&E Television Networks, LLC. This was followed by a celebration known as the Donations of Alexandria. Crowds flocked to the Gymnasium to see Cleopatra and Antony seated on golden thrones on a silver platform with their children sitting on slightly lower thrones beside them. Soon after her return to Alexandria, in 44 bce, Cleopatras coruler, Ptolemy XIV, died.

With Alexandria under attack from Octavians forces, Antony heard a rumor that Cleopatra had committed suicide.

They were buried together, as both of them had wished, and with them was buried the Roman Republic. According to Britannica, Cleopatra likely married Ptolemy XIII soon after the 51 BCE death of her father, Ptolemy XII. From the makers of HistoryExtra, try 6 issues of BBC History Magazine or BBC History Revealed for just 9.99 + FREE access to HistoryExtra (including ad the free Podcast) worth 34.99. After four months of war between Caesars outnumbered forces and those of Ptolemy XIII, Roman reinforcements arrived; Ptolemy was forced to flee Alexandria, and was believed to have drowned in the Nile River. Antony came home to Alexandria and declared Cleopatra and himself heirs to the Persian and Hellenistic monarchies.

They also spent a lot of time on what could be categorized as a sort of extended, extravagant honeymoon, throwing lavish banquets and doing risky things like running the streets at night pretending to be slaves. Cleopatra then remarried after the death of her brother during battle. However, it might be a surprise to learn that Cleopatra married not one but two of her brothers in her lifetime, Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV (via Britannica). https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cleopatra-queen-of-Egypt, World History Encyclopedia - Biography of Cleopatra VII, Jewish Virtual Library - Biography of Cleopatra. He is brought to Cleopatras hiding place where he soon dies. Roman reinforcements arrived the following spring, and Ptolemy XIII fled and drowned in the Nile. Cleopatra wasn't a pushover, and she wasn't going to take this loss lightly, so she raised an army of her own to match her (probably) husband's slight with military force. In order to help her cause, Cleopatra sought Caesars support, reportedly smuggling herself into the royal palace to plead her case with him. They again became lovers, and Cleopatra gave birth to another son, Ptolemy Philadelphos, in 36 B.C. In true pharaonic tradition, which aimed to keep the royal bloodline as pure as possible, Cleopatra married her younger brother and co-ruler, but it soon became clear that she had no intention of sharing power with him. Ptolemy XIII later attempted but failed to overthrow his sister a second time. At the same time, she had new coins issued depicting herself as Venus (who also Caesars goddess ancestress) as well as the Egyptian mother goddess Isis. Further, you can't separate her marital history from her political rise and fall.

History writes that there was nothing taboo about Cleopatra marrying her brothers. She then ruled Egypt with her son Caesarion by her side. This would provide a kind of tumultuous meet-cute for her and her final lover. In the Egyptian scheme of things Pharoahs marry a sister to ensure the rulership never leaves the royal family. He immediately butted heads with Caesars lieutenant and frenemy Marc Antony; allies and then enemies, they only ended their conflict after a civil war years later.

All of this meant that it was 18-year-old Cleopatra who became co-regent with her brother, Ptolemy XIII (aged ten), when her father died in March 51 BC.

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Of course, Cleopatra wasn't the only person ruling Egypt. Cleopatra in Rome

The adult Cleopatra Selene was married to Juba, a minor king, and sent to rule with him over Mauretania.

Cleopatra was hailed as queen of kings, Caesarion as king of kings. WebPtolemy XIII is Cleopatra's ten-year old brother.

Cue the beginning of a beneficial love affair with one of Rome's greatest. Jean-Lon Grme/Mezzo Mondo/Wikimedia CommonsCleopatra emerges from a carpet in Julius Caesars chambers.

Cleopatra is about 18 years old and had ruled for a short time as a co-regent with her father.

The twins were aged 10 and Ptolemy six when their mother died. Articles with the HISTORY.com Editors byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan and Matt Mullen.

Cleopatra actively influenced Roman politics at a crucial period, and she came to represent, as did no other woman of antiquity, the prototype of the romantic femme fatale. His marriage to Octavia now an irrelevance, he returned to the east and reunited with Cleopatra.

Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus soon divided Roman territories between them. (At one point, Antony had also married Octavian's sister.) He was believed to be Caesars child, and was known by the Egyptian people as Caesarion, or Little Caesar. Cleopatra was much more than the femme fatale or tragic heroine history often portrays her as: she was a fearsome leader and brilliantly astute politician. In 44 B.C., at just three years old, Caesarion was declared Ptolemy XV, a co-king alongside his mother. The Truth About Cleopatra's Many Husbands.

Cleopatra believed herself to be a living goddess and was keenly aware of the relationship between image and power. WATCH: Digging for the Truth: Cleopatra, the Last Pharaoh on HISTORY Vault. She was married to her youngest brother until his death, after which she became the sole ruler of Egypt.

Multilingual and intellectual, Cleopatra was a famously persuasive communicator and shrewd ruler. He is immediately smitten with the Egyptian Queens charm and beauty. However, the historical record seems to show that out of Cleopatra's four children, not a single one was sired by her brothers. It is believed that this kept their bloodline pure. WebNo views 5 minutes ago #cleopatra #marriage #brother Learn about why the Egyptian Pharaoh Queen Cleopatra married both of her brothers!