Cleopatra: Egyptian Queen of Kings

Who was this lady who ruled Egypt with a tenacious and perhaps even murderous grasp? Her lust for power and Mark Antony were more than just legendary. Their bond was so strong and their lives so inextricably linked that the Roman triumvir committed suicide by falling on is own sword when told of her alleged death. She died just a few days afterwards, at the age of 39, along with two maidservants from the deadly kiss of an asp.

There have been many predecessors with her namesake, but only one queen who stands out forever as Cleopatra, queen of the Nile and ruler of all of Egypt. This "queen of kings" did not resemble her celluloid persona, Elizabeth Taylor, but her charm, guile, sharp wit and brilliance were the hallmarks of her too short life. She may also have been a murderer as well. (No one's perfect). Her co-regent and younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, was conveniently poisoned when she returned to Alexandria as queen after being forced into exile by a powerful political coup. It was Julius Caesar, her lover at the time and father of her son Ceasarion, who restored her to the throne.

Her love affair and marriage with Mark Antony is shrouded in layers of truth and legend and no one will ever now whether some of the stories passed down through time are veracious or false. One of the best known tales surrounds a lavish dinner she shared with Antony in which she bet him that she could spend a million dollars (or an amount to that effect) on dinner. He took on the bet. The next evening she served him a dinner with an unremarkable first course and a second course comprised of a cup of strong vinegar. She then removed one of her priceless pearl earrings, dropped it in the vinegar, gave it time to dissolve and drank the mixture!

Who knows! Whatever the truth, read about the life of this fascinating woman whose thirst for power and passion knew no mortal bounds.

Read her powerful story here:

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