Cleopatra VII is one of the most fascinating women in history. She is an inspiration in the world of art, literature, and film, and every (costume store) carries (adult costumes) portraying her. She was the last Pharaoh of Egypt.

Cleopatra was born around 69 B.C. She first ruled with her father Ptolemy XII, who died in 51 B.C., and at 18 years old Cleopatra became co-ruler with her younger brother Ptolemy XIII. Cleopatra learned to govern by watching her father, and learned many different languages in order to be able to communicate with many different people. Ptolemy ousted Cleopatra from power in 48 B.C., and she fled.

From her father, Cleopatra had learned that staying in power depended on obtaining the support of Roman leaders. Cleopatra won the support of Julius Caesar, and he restored her to power in Egypt with another brother, Ptolemy XIV. She gave birth to a son that she said was fathered by Julius Caesar. Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C.

Cleopatra returned to Egypt and made her son co-ruler. She began another relationship with a Roman, Marc Antony and gave birth to twins. Four years later he married her, although he was already married. Their union was political, as well as professional. Together they ruled Egypt, Cyprus, Crete, and Syria. Antony was eventually defeated by Octavian, and killed himself. Cleopatra then planned her own death. Most stories attribute her death to a snake bite.

Cleopatra saw herself as divine, and declared herself to be a goddess. Stories surrounding Cleopatra's life have inspired many movies and books.

Resources on Cleopatra

• Cleopatra on the Web: A listing of resources about Cleopatra.
  
  

• Field Museum

Biographical information

• All about History
  
  

• Who's Who
  
  

• About.com
  
  

• Egyptology
  
  

• Ancient Egypt Online
  
  

• History World
  
  

• Notable Biographies
  
  

• Cleopatra's Biography: A kids' version of Cleopatra's biography.

• Antony and Cleopatra

Accomplishments

• Historical Analysis
  
  

• Smithsonian

Books, movies and more

• Lens: Resources to audios, videos, jewelry, etc.

• Top 4 movies
  
  

• Books on ancient Egypt

• Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra

Cleopatra has at times been thought of as a great leader and other times as an evil, manipulative villain. In either case, her life was enthralling and tragic.