Who was Cleopatra? Hard to know after more than 2,000 years and all the tales that have mythologized her (thanks, Shakespeare; thanks, Liz). But no doubt we'll learn more if archeologists find her tomb. They think they're getting close. (Search for more on the quest.)
But in the meantime, here's a bit about the last pharaoh of Egypt.
Cleopatra VII ascended the throne as a teenager. She married and ruled alongside each of her younger brothers. Both met untimely ends, in which she may have had a hand.
She came to power at a tough time. Rome became engaged in a civil war that threatened to engulf Egypt. But Cleopatra made a key alliance, which also likely produced a son. She was reportedly beautiful. Smart, too. She spoke several languages.
Egyptians believed that their rulers were gods, and Cleopatra promoted herself as the new Isis. (What's Isis the goddess of?)
Her great love, at least according to myth: Mark Antony, a ruler in Rome. She bore him twins and a son.
After Antony lost his battle for Rome, he committed suicide. Cleopatra also took her life, reportedly with an asp. They are believed to have been buried together near Alexandria. (Where is that, exactly?)
Finally, what happened to Cleopatra's children?
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(c) 2010 Maya Chilam Foundation