Cleopatra VII Timeline: A Life of Power and Intrigue
Who is Cleopatra
Cleopatra VII Philopator, also known as Cleopatra the Great, was the last active pharaoh of Ancient Egypt.
Here's a breakdown of who she was:
Early Life (c. 69 BCE - 51 BCE)
- c. 69 BCE: Cleopatra VII Philopator is born in Alexandria, Egypt, to Ptolemy XII Auletes, a descendant of Alexander the Great's generals.
- Education: Cleopatra receives a well-rounded education, becoming fluent in Egyptian, Greek, and possibly other languages. She studies science, philosophy, and statecraft.
Rise to Power (51 BCE - 47 BCE)
- 51 BCE: Upon her father's death, Cleopatra becomes co-ruler with her brother, Ptolemy XIII (possibly her husband). However, tensions rise due to a power struggle.
- 48 BCE: Cleopatra is exiled by Ptolemy XIII and seeks refuge in Rome.
Alliance with Caesar (47 BCE - 44 BCE)
- 47 BCE: Cleopatra forms an alliance with Julius Caesar, who is impressed by her intelligence and charm. With Caesar's military support, she defeats Ptolemy XIII and reclaims the throne.
- 47 - 44 BCE: Cleopatra and Caesar become romantically involved, and she gives birth to their son, Caesarion.
Political Maneuvering (44 BCE - 31 BCE)
- 44 BCE: Julius Caesar is assassinated, leaving Cleopatra in a precarious position.
- 41 BCE: Cleopatra forms a political and personal alliance with Mark Antony, another powerful Roman general. They have twins together.
- 32 BCE: After a series of power struggles with Octavian (Caesar's adopted son and future emperor Augustus), war erupts between Antony and Octavian.
Defeat and Death (31 BCE - 30 BCE)
