August 12 - The Death of Cleopatra

This Day in History: 12 August 2020

 

12 August 30 B.C.

 

2050 years ago, today, Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt and lover of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, took her life following the defeat of her forces against Octavian, the future first emperor of Rome. Although they had suffered a decisive defeat, it was nearly a year before Octavian finally reached Alexandria and again defeated Antony. In the aftermath of the battle, Cleopatra took refuge, leading Antony to be misinformed of her death, before stabbing himself and dying. Once Octavian had arrived, Cleopatra committed suicide to avoid witnessing his domination. He then executed her son, Caesarion, and used Cleopatra's treasure to pay off his veterans.

 

Cleopatra was made queen of Egypt upon the death of her father, Ptolemy XII. Her brother was made King Ptolemy XIII at the same time, causing them to rule the country under the title of husband and wife. Although Cleopatra had no Egyptian blood, she learned Egyptian and was also proclaimed as the daughter of Re, the Egyptian sun god, to further her influence. She would later extend her political power by captivating the Roman leader, Julius Caesar, and the powerful Roman general, Mark Antony. Cleopatra bore children with both men, naming Caesar's child Caesarion, meaning 'little Caesar', and twins with Mark Antony, named Alexander Helios, after the sun, and Cleopatra Selene, after the moon.

 

Want to find out more about the life and death of Cleopatra? Click here for more information, or here for some little known facts about the Egyptian queen.