Cleopatra


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 * Cleopatra**

Cleopatra Cleopatra played a huge role in ancient Egyptian history. She was the first woman to rule an empire in Egypt. There are many interesting facts to know about Cleopatra like her family life in Egypt, **her influence on Rome** and the end of her power in Egypt.

Cleopatra came from a very powerful and wealthy family. Although they ruled Egypt and adopted Egyptian customs, they were actually Macedonians who had gone to Egypt with Alexander the Great. Cleopatra was born to rule. At an early age, she inherited fortune and power in Ancient Egypt. She was given the throne at the age of 18 with her brother who was only 10 years old. Cleopatra had a zest for power but needed protection against enemies. Therefore, she went to Rome with a plan.

In Rome, she went to meet a man named Julius Ceasar and they supposedly fell in love. Many people believed she manipulated him to gain protection and power. Later, Ceasar’s gaurds and servants ganged up on him and killed him. Cleopatra was pregnant and devastated about losing the love of her life. After the baby was born, Cleopatra named the baby Caesarion. She went back to Egypt and became the first woman to rule the Egyptian Empire due to her brother’s death. Ceasar had willed Mark Antony all his fortune so **she aligned herself with yet another influential Roman.** She married him and had three children. The twins were named Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene. The youngest son was named Ptolemy Philadelphos.

The Romans continued to fight for power over Egypt while Cleopatra was ruling the empire. Cleopatra was sent a letter by the enemies that Antony was killed so she decided to kill herself. At the time, he was really alive. Cleopatra, who was always hungry for power and control over the Egyptian Empire was finally defeated. She was once again devastated by the loss of a love and her power that **she killed herself by intentionally getting an asp which is a poisonous snake to bite her.** Meanwhile, Antony went to find her but he couldn't get through her locked door. Therefore, he decided to jump through her window and the impact killed him. With both of them dead, the Romans were able to take over the Egyptian Empire.

For many years, Cleopatra used her charm to influence powerful men and her intelligence to rule Egypt. Her life was full of romance and bravery. She was not only known as the first lady to rule an empire but was also known as the "Snake Lady" due to her dramatic death. Cleopatra’s legend will live on forever.

Bibliography Internet: “CleopatraVII”, January 19, 2012-http://Biography.com “Important Facts-Cleopatra”, January 19, 2012-http://ancient history.about.com