Cleopatra’s Influence on The History of Ancient Egypt

Introduction

In my opinion, I believe Cleopatra made a significant impact on Egyptian society that we still know and study today. She revolutionized many aspects of her society, contributed greatly to its development, and was one of the most powerful and significant figures in Ancient Egypt.

Cleopatra and Her Impact on Ancient Egypt

Cleopatra was a renowned historical figure for her reign in Ancient Egypt. She was a cultured woman who spoke many languages, understood geography and politics, and revolutionized numerous aspects of her society. During her time, it was rare to find a woman who was both attractive and educated, which made her stand out even more.

Cleopatra VII Philopator was born in 69 BC and died in 30 BC in Alexandria, Egypt. She was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. As a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, she was a descendant of its founder, Ptolemy I Soter, a Macedonian Greek general and companion of Alexander the Great. Her name means “the Goddess Cleopatra, the Beloved of her Father.” Cleopatra was the third daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes, who ruled Egypt until 51 BC. She was well-educated, spoke nine languages, taught herself politics by observing her father, and was the first Ptolemaic Pharaoh to speak Egyptian, which enabled her to rule Ancient Egypt effectively.

After her father's death, Cleopatra had to consort with either a brother or a son, regardless of age, throughout her reign. Cleopatra VII ruled ancient Egypt as co-regent for almost three decades and became the last in a dynasty of Macedonian rulers founded by Ptolemy, who served as a general under Alexander the Great during his conquest of Egypt in 332 BC. Cleopatra came into power at 15 and married Ptolemy XIII. Although they didn't get along, her only goal was to create a greater world empire. Whether her methods were driven by personal desires or the pursuit of power remains uncertain. Many believe she did what was necessary to try to save Alexandria. Cleopatra was dropping his name from official documents, which defied the Ptolemaic tradition that female rulers be subordinate to male rulers. Ptolemy attempted to gain full control of Ancient Egypt and drive Cleopatra from the throne. The two began a civil war in 48 BC, and she was exiled to Syria. With the aid of Julius Caesar, she defeated her brother. She then moved to Rome and had a son with Caesar named Caesarion, who survived as a Pharaoh by Caesarion. Cleopatra returned to Egypt after Caesar’s death in 44 BC. Caesar never acknowledged the boy as his offspring, and historical debate continues over whether he was indeed his father or not. Later, she had three children with Marc Antony: twins Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene, and another son, Ptolemy Philadelphus. She married Caesar’s ally, Antony, and after having twins, Cleopatra supported him by throwing her military support behind Antony in his war against Octavian, Caesar's adopted son. Octavian and his allies defeated Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, and Antony died in 30 BC. Cleopatra wanted Egypt to remain independent of Rome. She built up the Egyptian economy, establishing trade with many Arab nations. She was a popular ruler among the people of Egypt both because she embraced the Egyptian culture and because the country was prosperous during her rule. Her story is quite significant and powerful. Cleopatra was clearly astute, which supports my earlier point.

Cleopatra's Influence on Gender and Culture

In Ancient Egypt, women had little to no rights, and there wasn’t much female dominance until powerful rulers like Cleopatra emerged. I believe she was the best female leader for various reasons. Cleopatra changed the world in more ways than just being beautiful. She taught herself Egyptian to better communicate and relate to the people she was ruling, something no male ruler at the time did. As any teenage girl will tell you, ruling a country with your younger sibling is difficult. Cleopatra went to great lengths to rule her kingdom by distancing herself from her brother. The siblings were married, but Cleopatra made it clear that she wasn’t going to play nice and share with Ptolemy XIII. Talk about a boss lady, taking responsibility and charge of everything at such a young age.

Cleopatra revolutionized fashion and make-up trends and popularized them. Despite the fact that the legislators and government officials of Rome abhorred Cleopatra with fervor, she initiated some wild fashion trends in the city. Women everywhere began doing their hair and makeup like the fashionable sovereign Cleopatra, and the trend persisted for quite a while. The Cleo look was so mainstream that statuettes of women found in the remnants of the old city were often mistaken by modern archaeologists for the famous Queen herself.

The real importance of Cleopatra is that she is an outstanding example of a woman who achieved great importance in ancient times without merely being a power behind the throne. The ancient world being what it was, her destiny was closely tied to her dealings with men, so she cannot be called a perfect proto-feminist in every respect. She was also one of the richest people in the world. Known for her striking personality, sharp intelligence, and alliances with the two most powerful men of her time, Cleopatra teaches us about gender equality in politics. Female politicians are criticized for their beauty routines and wardrobe. Men do receive media attention when they are part of a scandal, but a conspicuously bright light is shone on their female counterparts' marital history and sexual past. Yet, Cleopatra did it all and still managed to be a great ruler in Ancient Egypt. Cleopatra showed determination for Ancient Egypt throughout her reign by using all of her assets for the empire. She was well-educated, the intellectual equal of the men in her circle, and their superior in wealth.

Cleopatra's Legacy

Lastly, now that we know how powerful she was and how her dominance made a significant impact, let’s discuss how Cleopatra continues to influence others today and why we still study her. Similar to stars of today, Cleopatra carefully controlled her public image. When she traveled to Tarsus by barge to meet Mark Antony for the first time, she created quite a spectacle, dressed as the Egyptian goddess Isis with handsome boys fanning her as she reclined on her perch. She had a taste for pageantry, something a star like Lady Gaga would no doubt appreciate. Cleopatra is not found in a museum or painting, but in Hollywood. “In the contemporary imagination, the [1963 Elizabeth Taylor/Richard Burton] movie powerfully brought images of Cleopatra which are still very present and seductive,” says Dr. Hazel Clark, Research Chair of Fashion and Professor in the MA Fashion Studies program at Parsons The New School for Design. “That image” of Taylor, says Dr. Clark, “was very much linked to the early 1960s. I think there’s been a revived interest in the early 1960s, with the popularity of Mad Men and stores like Banana Republic picking up the look. In Egypt, they still keep the same traditions today. This is another way Cleopatra influences fashion today. She also influenced Shakespeare’s play, Antony and Cleopatra. Cleopatra still matters in this day and age; many of the things we do historically relate back to her.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cleopatra was undoubtedly one of a kind and will always be remembered because of that. Hopefully, this proves how Cleopatra made a significant impact on Egyptian society and why we still know and study her today. She revolutionized many aspects, contributed greatly to society, and was one of the most powerful and significant figures in Ancient Egypt.

References

1. Clark, H. (Year). Title of Source. Publisher.
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