Religion and Theology Essay about Cleopatra

Cleopatra
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Cleopatra
Introduction
For my historical figure, I selected Cleopatra. Cleopatra is a fascinating historical figure. Not only is she an influential figure in Egypt, but also in the world. When people think of a famous woman in ancient history, the name Cleopatra always comes up. Among women today, Cleopatra plays an important role because she represents what women are capable of. When she was dethroned by her younger brother Ptolemy XIII, she had to flee Alexandria. However, Cleopatra's genius and boldness would later make her the sole and last ruler under the Ptolemaic dynasty.
Background
Cleopatra was born in 69 BC. For a period of time, she ruled alongside her father, Ptolemy XII. However, when she was 18 years old, her father died. Initially, Ptolemy XII left Cleopatra the throne. However, Egyptian custom required that a female ruler have a male consort. Therefore, she was wed to her brother. Cleopatra would then drop her brother's name from all official documents and proceed to rule alone. It is important to note that the Ptolemaic dynasty was founded by a Macedonian-Greek General Ptolemy I. Therefore, for years, the Ptolemies insisted on their Macedonian-Greek superiority and did not bother learning the Egyptian language. However, Cleopatra was fluent in Egyptian and other languages as well. As a result, Cleopatra became a better ruler, administrator, and diplomat than her predecessors.
Yet, Cleopatra's unilateral decision making would be her undoing. Her court became displeased with her attitudes and disregard for their counsel. Eventually, her chief advisor, in collaboration with other senior officials, overthrew her and made Ptolemy XIII the sole ruler of Egypt. Cleopatra then fled to Thebaid. As fortune would have it, at the same time she ran away, Caesar defeated Pompey in the battle of Pharsalus. Pompey had spent a considerable amount of time in Egypt during his campaigns. Also, he was a state-appointed guardian to the Ptolemy children. So, he fled to Egypt, knowing that he would be well received. However, when he arrived, he was killed, and his head was presented to Caesar when he arrived in Alexandria. Caesar was not impressed as Pompey had been a dignified Roman general. Therefore, he declared martial law in Egypt. Cleopatra took the arrival of Caesar as an opportunity to reclaim the throne. Allegedly, Cleopatra was presented to Caesar covered in a rug to avoid de...