Cleopatra
69-30 B.C.
Cleopatra VII was the last of the
Macedonian (Greek) queens of Egypt. At first she ruled jointly with her
brother, who drove her out. After Julius Caesar reinstated her as queen in 48 BC. she gained sole control
over the country, becoming the most powerful woman in the ancient world.
During the Roman Civil War between Republican forces and the Second Triumvirate,
Marc Antony was forced
to court her for financial and military aid, which she granted. After the
Trioumvirate emerged victorious, she placed her wealth and military resources
behind Marc Antony,
and was defeated with him at the Battle of Actium by Octavian. Rather than suffer the humiliation of appearing in chains
in Octavian's victory
parade, she killed herself, according to legend, by a poisonous asp.
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