Cleopatra was not Egyptian
Although born in Egypt, Cleopatra's family roots could be traced back to Macedonian Greece and Ptolemy I Soter, one of the generals of Alexander the Great. After Alexander's demise in 323 B.C., Ptolemy became the ruler of Egypt and founded a dynasty of Greek-speaking monarchs that endured for about three hundred years. Despite not being of Egyptian descent, Cleopatra adopted numerous ancient Egyptian traditions and was the initial Ptolemaic ruler to master the Egyptian language
She was the product of incest
Similar to several other royal families, the Ptolemaic dynasty also resorted to intermarriages to maintain the integrity of their lineage. Over a dozen of Cleopatra's forebears wedded their cousins or siblings, and there is a possibility that her own parents were siblings. Following this tradition, Cleopatra eventually married both of her younger brothers in their teenage years, who each functioned as her ceremonial partner and co-ruler during different periods of her sovereignty.
Cleopatra’s beauty wasn’t her biggest asset.
According to Roman propaganda, Cleopatra was portrayed as a licentious seductress who utilized her physical charm as a political tool. However, it is speculated that her intellect was more celebrated than her looks. Cleopatra had the ability to converse fluently in as many as twelve languages and was knowledgeable in various subjects such as mathematics, philosophy, oratory, and astronomy. Egyptian records later depicted her as a ruler who valued the company of scholars and elevated their status. Contrary to popular belief, there is evidence that Cleopatra wasn't as physically attractive as previously assumed. Some coins featuring her likeness portray her with masculine features and a large, hooked nose. However, some historians argue that she intentionally portrayed herself as strong and masculine.
She had a hand in the deaths of three of her siblings.
After attempting to take the throne alone and being expelled from Egypt by her first husband and sibling, Ptolemy XIII, Cleopatra engaged in a civil war with him. Eventually, she formed an alliance with Julius Caesar and emerged victorious after Ptolemy drowned in the Nile River following their battle. Subsequently, Cleopatra wed her younger brother Ptolemy XIV, but it's suspected that she had him assassinated to secure her son's position as her co-ruler. Additionally, in 41 B.C., she orchestrated the execution of her sister, Arsinoe, who she saw as a contender for the throne.
She was living in Rome at the time of Caesar’s assassination.
In 46 B.C., Cleopatra arrived in Rome and joined forces with Julius Caesar, which attracted a lot of attention. Caesar openly acknowledged her as his mistress, and he even brought their son, Caesarion, with him to the city. However, when he put up a golden statue of Cleopatra in the temple of Venus Genetrix, it caused a scandal among the Romans. After Caesar was assassinated in the Roman Senate in 44 B.C., Cleopatra was forced to flee from Rome, but her time in the city had already left a lasting impression.
Cleopatra and Mark Antony formed their own drinking club
In 41 B.C., Cleopatra and the Roman general Mark Antony initiated their legendary love affair, which had both political and personal motives. Cleopatra sought Antony's support to safeguard her throne and preserve Egypt's sovereignty, while Antony desired access to Egypt's wealth and assets. Despite these strategic considerations, they were also deeply enamored with each other's company. Historical accounts report that they indulged in an extravagant lifestyle in Egypt during the winter of 41-40 B.C. and established a drinking club called the "Inimitable Livers"
She led a fleet in a naval battle
Cleopatra and Mark Antony eventually wed and had three children together, but their union created a major scandal in Rome. Antony's rival Octavian employed propaganda to depict him as a traitor who was being manipulated by a conniving seductress, and in 32 B.C., the Roman Senate declared war on Cleopatra. The conflict culminated in a decisive naval battle at Actium the following year. Cleopatra personally commanded dozens of Egyptian warships alongside Antony's fleet, but they were no match for Octavian's navy. The battle quickly turned into a rout, forcing Cleopatra and Antony to break through the Roman line and flee to Egyp