Cleopatra and Ceaser

Cleopatra VII died over 2,000 years ago. Yet, she remains one of history's most fascinating women. Known for her beauty and intellect, the Egyptian queen led a short but scandalous life. Her story has inspired countless works of art, literature, and films.

Often, she is depicted as a femme fatale. This portrayal stems from her romantic relationships with Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony. But Cleopatra was more than just a seductress. She was one of the most successful and powerful queens in history.

Today, let’s delve into one of the most notorious love affairs of all time.

In 42 BCE, three powerful men divided the Roman Republic. The triumvirate of Lepidus, Octavian, and Marc Anthony formed an uneasy alliance after tumultuous times. Assigned to the Eastern provinces, Marc Anthony found himself far from Rome, immersed in the Hellenistic culture he adored. It was there that he fell into the arms of Cleopatra, Egypt's enchanting queen.

Cleopatra was the divine Ptolemaic ruler of prosperous Egypt. She was brilliant, charming, and the richest person in the Mediterranean. Anthony, a soldier and politician, was said to be descended from Hercules. He was strong, handsome, with a voice that could be moody and lustful. After Caesar's assassination, Anthony took charge of Rome's unruly Eastern territories.

In 41 BCE, while in Tarsus, Anthony sent for Cleopatra. They had met in Rome when she was Caesar’s young mistress, and they even had a son, Caesarion. Now, Anthony encountered a much-evolved Cleopatra. Plutarch wrote that Caesar had known her as an inexperienced girl, but she was now at the peak of her beauty and intellect.

Cleopatra was aware of Anthony’s love for spectacle. She planned an entrance into Tarsus that would captivate him. She sailed into the city in a blaze of color, reclining beneath a gold-spangled canopy, dressed as Venus. Young boys fanned her while her maids moved gracefully on the ship. The air was filled with enchanting scents from offerings. It was a grand display, and it worked.

Appian recorded that the moment he saw her, Anthony lost his head like a young man. Cleopatra threw extravagant parties, flaunting her wealth. She gave away furniture and jewels, sparking a contest of opulence between her and Anthony. He aimed to outdo her, but his efforts never matched her grandeur.

Despite their attraction, their relationship was deeply political. Anthony needed Cleopatra’s funds for his military campaigns, while she sought his protection to expand her power. Eventually, Anthony followed Cleopatra to Alexandria, which was thriving under her reign.

Together, they behaved like college students, forming a “Society of Inimitable Livers.” They teased each other, and one time, Cleopatra claimed she could spend ten million sestertii on a banquet. At one of her feasts, she ordered only vinegar to be served, dropped a pearl into it, and swallowed it. Their love, however, faced challenges.

In 40 BCE, Anthony traveled to Rome, and Cleopatra gave birth to their twins, Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene. That same year, Anthony married Octavian’s sister, Octavia. The lovers were separated for over three years. When they finally met again in 37 BCE, it was awkward. Yet, they quickly resumed where they left off, even issuing currency with their faces.

In Antioch, Anthony met his twins for the first time and awarded land to Cleopatra. By then, she ruled over significant territories in the Eastern Mediterranean. The couple traveled together, but Anthony's military reputation began to wane. He lost many men due to his poor decisions, which historians attributed to Cleopatra. They claimed he was so eager to be with her that he rushed into war.

In 34 BCE, Anthony found temporary success by conquering Armenia. He returned to Alexandria with the royal family in chains. The couple hosted a grand event called the Donations of Alexandria, declaring their children heirs to the Eastern dynasty. This was too much for Octavian, and tensions escalated.

In 33 BCE, the triumvirate fell apart. The next year, Anthony divorced Octavia, severing ties with Octavian completely. War was declared against Cleopatra, his true partner. Despite their combined might, they were no match for the Roman army. As the battle raged, they continued their extravagant lifestyle, even naming their drinking society "Companions to the Death."

As Anthony fought, Cleopatra built a new temple to Isis, filling it with treasures. She prepared for her potential death, knowing it would be devastating for Octavian if she vanished along with Egypt's riches. Meanwhile, she may have secretly negotiated with Octavian to protect her children.

When Anthony learned of Cleopatra’s death, he was devastated. He said, “O Cleopatra, I am not distressed to have lost you…” After attempting to take his own life, he was brought to her. Heartbroken but resolute, Cleopatra tried to negotiate with Octavian, but hope was lost.

She managed to bring poison past Octavian’s guards. When he discovered what happened, soldiers rushed to the temple and found Cleopatra dead. Her attendants were near death, and soon after, Egypt became part of the Roman Empire. Caesarion was murdered, while the twins were taken to Rome.