Cleopatra VII Philopator (69-30 BC) was the last active ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt, briefly survived as pharaoh by her son Caesarion. She was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, a Greek family of Macedonian origin that ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great's death during the Hellenistic period. As queen, she consummated a liaison with Julius Caesar that solidified her grip on the throne. She later elevated Caesarion, her son with Caesar, to co-ruler in name. After Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, she aligned with Mark Antony in opposition to Caesar's legal heir Octavianus. Augustus (63 BC, 14 AD) was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, ruling from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD. With Antony, she bore the twins Cleopatra Selene II and Alexander Helios, and son Ptolemy Philadelphus. According to a popular belief, she killed herself by means of an asp bite on August 12, 30 BC. Etching by Bartolomeo Pinelli. |