The ancient Egyptian queen is one of the most famous in world history. Many programs and films have been shot about her, many books have been written, but what is curious is that nothing is known about her childhood.
However, biographers suggest that she was a very educated girl - Cleopatra knew 8 languages, had an analytical mindset, was able to brilliantly negotiate. Obviously, Cleopatra often visited the Alexandria Library, which housed hundreds of thousands of books.
In addition, the queen stood out for her outstanding abilities, but she could still fall in love with anyone - everyone probably knows about this. There are interesting facts from the life of Cleopatra that may be of interest to you.
10. Cleopatra's father was Greek
Cleopatra was born in Egypt, but her father Ptolemy XII was Greek. The queen belonged to the dynasty of Ptolemy I Soter (Savior), which reigned in Egypt.
When Alexander the Great died (king of Macedonia), Ptolemy became the ruler of Egypt in 323 BC. e. and founded his dynasty, whose members spoke among themselves in Greek.
His dynasty ruled for almost three centuries, Cleopatra adopted the traditions and customs of the country and learned Egyptian.
9. Cleopatra was born as a result of incest
Ancient Egypt actively practiced kinship - the Ptolemies married relatives to keep the pedigree clean.
Cleopatra's ancestors married their brothers and sisters, so it is entirely possible that her parents had a family relationship.
Cleopatra did not deviate from tradition, and her husbands became brothers: her first official husband was her brother Ptolemy XIII - he was not even 10 years old when the marriage was concluded.
8. She became guilty of the death of brothers and sisters
Power killings were acceptable. The Queen’s first husband, Ptolemy XIII, ordered her to disappear from Egypt when she tried to take control of power under her control.
Cleopatra concluded an alliance with Julius Caesar, beneficial to both sides (due to which, by the way, she gained wide popularity), and Ptolemy, having lost, drowned in the Nile.
After the war ended, Cleopatra became the wife of her other brother, Ptolemy XIV, and he was also killed.
In 41, the queen also killed her sister named Arsinoe IV, because she considered her a serious rival, who could get the throne.
7. Cleopatra's achievements are not in beauty
Everyone is accustomed to thinking that Cleopatra is a ruthless seducer who used her spell for political purposes. But her beauty is not the most important thing.
The queen was very educated and intelligent (that’s what you should pay attention to) - she played various instruments, could speak 8 languages fluently, knew philosophy, mathematics, was fond of astronomy and she was interested in rhetoric.
Cleopatra was a scientist, and in fact her attractiveness is exaggerated. She just had a special charm, which attracted men to her.
6. Cleopatra knew how to present herself correctly
The tsarina believed that she was a manifestation of the goddess, and could get used to any role - in 48 BC, at that time when she was in enemy relations with her brother, Gaius Julius Caesar (ancient Roman) visited Alexandria politician), and she, knowing that Ptolemy would impede her meeting with Julius, came up with a trick.
The legend says that Cleopatra, secretly from prying eyes, was delivered in a linen bag (according to legend, it is said in the carpet) to meet Caesar. After this incident, Caesar and the ancient Egyptian queen became lovers.
5. The Queen followed her husband to Rome
In 46 BC in Rome, Cleopatra followed Caesar, and her appearance created a lot of noise. Their love affair was not hidden, and the queen even brought their child to Rome.
In the Roman temple of Venus the ancestress, Caesar placed a golden statue of Cleopatra at the altar, after which many Romans were indignant.
In 44, Julia was killed, and the queen had to flee the city, but she was well remembered. Her hairstyle, which she loved to wear with pearl jewelry, began to be copied by women, and their statues were mistaken for mistaken images of the queen.
4. Cleopatra had to hide
The ancient Greek queen married the ancient Roman politician Marco Anthony and gave birth to 3 children from him, but their relationship also made noise in Rome.
Mark's rival, Octavian, used his romance with Cleopatra for his own purposes, convincing everyone that he was a victim, whose confidence was used by an insidious seducer.
In 32, the Senate of Rome declared war on the Queen. When the battle of Actium (the last naval battle) took place, Cleopatra stood at the head of dozens of Egyptian ships, but they were not enough to battle Octavian.
The battle turned into a flight, so Cleopatra and Anthony had to hide.
3. Mark Anthony and Cleopatra had a feast
Relations between Mark and Cleopatra were based on political interests - she needed Anthony to protect the throne and preserve the sovereignty of Egypt, and the commander needed the riches of this country.
But they felt good together, according to sources - in 41-40 years. the couple spent time together enjoying the Egyptian riches, and even created a club called The Inimitable Liver.
The club organized feasts at night, and guests liked to arrange games that, incidentally, were difficult. The favorite game of Cleopatra and Anthony was to walk around Alexandria, dressed in other clothes, and play the locals.
2. Perhaps Cleopatra died not from a snakebite, but from opium
All researchers agree that Cleopatra committed suicide at the age of 39 years. Octavian, who defeated Mark Anthony, wanted to bring the queen from Egypt to Rome and lead her as a trophy through the streets of the "eternal city", following his winning chariot, although he hid it.
Cleopatra did not want to be shamed, so she decided that the best way is to commit suicide. She took the poison - a mixture of opium, aconite and hemlock.
1. The film "Cleopatra", shot in 1963 - one of the most expensive
In 1963, viewers saw a film about the Queen, and he began to be considered one of the most expensive for all the time that they make a movie.
$ 200,000 was spent on costumes alone. Initially, $ 2 million was allocated for the film, but gradually the budget began to grow.
We can say that the studio went bankrupt by filming it. What is interesting - the film to this day remains one of the most costly.