One of the most interesting personalities.
One of the most famous and influential women in history, without a doubt, was Cleopatra, the last Queen of Hellenistic Egypt. She had a remarkable intelligence, insight, was able to prove himself a strong leader and excellent strategist. Here are some interesting facts about this colorful and controversial personality.
1. She was not an Egyptian.
Cleopatra’s father, Ptolemy XII Auletes, by origin was Greek. He took the post of ruler of Egypt after the death of Alexander the great.
2. She was born out of incest.
Father Cleopatra married his sister, ushering in the Royal tradition of incest. Since in this family the marriages between brothers and sisters.
3. Most likely, she was not beautiful.
Historians claim that the famous Queen of Egypt had an attractive appearance, but no more. However, Cleopatra knew how to take care of themselves and use cosmetics made in her own recipes. Men she fascinated not only appearance and manners, but also education: Cleopatra knew over 7 languages, was well versed in philosophy, mathematics, politics and literature of the time.
4. Cleopatra, if necessary, not averse to murder.
She married her younger brother Ptolemy XIII when she was 18 years old, and he’s only 12. Together they ruled for 4 years until the young king tried to revolt against Cleopatra. By joining forces with Julius Caesar, the Queen put down the rebellion. Soon her ex-husband drowned in the river Nile. Then Cleopatra married her one younger brother, Ptolemy XIV, but he soon also died under mysterious circumstances. Also Cleopatra persuaded Mark Antony to murder her sister Arsinoe, who was her opponent in the struggle for the throne.
5. She knew how to impress.
According to the ancient Greek writer Plutarch, to conquer Julius Caesar, Cleopatra ordered to roll themselves in blankets, tie a rope and to present to the commander. Thus she wanted to show Caesar that relies on his mercy. No less impressive Cleopatra managed to appear before mark Antony. She came to him on the ship with scarlet sails, the gilded stern and silver oars and the deck was strewn with rose petals.
6. Cleopatra was in Rome during Caesar’s murder.
Their relationship lasted long enough, and the presence of Cleopatra in Rome was one of the reasons that precipitated the death of Caesar. Soon, the Queen left Rome, leaving behind a legacy that is associated with the fashion at that time, many Roman women copied her hairstyle and pearl jewelry.
7. She knew how to have fun.
Although her relationship with Antony was politically motivated, they really love spending time together, especially for some fun. In Alexandria Cleopatra and Antony founded his own club, known as the “Inimitable livers”. The club was engaged in that night organized a feast, during which they held various games and competitions.
8. One day, she was head of the naval fleet in battle.
When Cleopatra married Mark Antony, it became a cause of public scandal in Rome, and as a result led to the war. During the battle of Actium, the Queen personally commanded a fleet of dozens of Egyptian ships. However, this was not enough for the successful battle with the Navy of Octavian, and Cleopatra soon had to retreat to Egypt.
9. Cleopatra may not have died from a snake bite.
Legend has it that when Cleopatra learned about the suicide of Mark Antony, she committed suicide by allowing himself to be bitten by a poisonous snake. But some historians are inclined to believe that Cleopatra died by a poison hidden in the brush. There is also a version according to which she killed herself, having smeared with a deadly mixture of opium and Hemlock.
10. The movie Cleopatra, filmed in 1963, became one of the most expensive in the history of cinema.
In 1963, the film Cleopatra with Elizabeth Taylor in the title role. The original film budget of 2 million dollars soon grew to a mad 44 million, with only costumes Cleopatra had to spend about $ 200,000.
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