The last known Pharaoh of Egypt is considered to have been Cleopatra VII. Following the conclusion of her reign, Egypt became a Roman Empire. Much history has been written about Cleopatra, her life and death, and yet who this woman really was is still relatively unknown.
Cleopatra reigned between 51 BC – 12 August 30 BC, ruling with her father, followed by her two brothers and finally as the sole ruler. Together with Mark Anthony, Cleopatra stood against Augustus. After the loss of the Battle of Actium, both Mark Anthony and Cleopatra committed suicide.
To many Cleopatra VII is seen as a skilled ruler, but none the less a vile person shrouded by debauchery and greed. This article will look to provide a possible insight into who Cleopatra VII was and why her memory has withstood the test of time.
A review of the history of Cleopatra VII presents a picture of a woman consumed by power. Many of her actions were directed at gaining the throne, though women were not supposed to rule. Once gained she used every possible weapon she possessed to retain it. During her part in history she is accredited with taking steps to remove her brother from his position in the joint monarchy, turning on her own son, having her only living sister executed, and engaging in scandalous affairs. Her intent was to become the “Queen of Kings” and she undoubtedly would have attained this title had she lived.
Cleopatra brought about physical casualties to those who stood in her way. For icons of today, the casualties they are responsible for are just as devastating. A person’s livelihood can be every bit as important as their life in a world where power and money are everything. While the “rulers” of today do not typically marry their siblings, they do engage in behaviors similar to Cleopatra in attempts to further their careers or retain their time in the spotlight.
Their affairs and escapades carry as much influence and are presented to the world on a daily basis. While it is still frowned upon and scandalous, those in power are always expected to adhere to higher self discipline than the rest of the world. The failure in thinking is that regardless of the throne, each is human and not infallible.
The last pharaoh of Egypt, maybe she was the last person to be called the Pharaoh, but yet today, history keep repeating itself but by just wearing other cloth, and in another stage of fate.
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priscus
Cleopatra was not just another woman. She posses ed a number of qualities and was in a position to control man. I always thought that the last pharaoh was toukankamon sth like that. Have has cleopatra been born in the 21st century she would have been a renowned politician.
Amber
@priscus, Tutankhamen, was definitely not the last Pharaoh, he reined over 3,000 years ago. Haha, but, anyways, I agree
She was very smart and powerful, but she wasn’t really considered a Pharaoh in her time either. She was one of the VERY earliest queens, as stated in many historical books. Also because she was a Greek, and “Pharaoh” is of Egyptian culture.
Chres
I assume you mean Cleopatra was one of the “VERY earliest” queens regnant.
The following is a list of queens regent who existed before Cleopatra VI.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merneith
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatshepsut
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neferneferuaten
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_I_of_Caria
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shammuramat
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympias
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopatra_of_Macedon
Here are an additional 8 or so. Some are repeats. (http://womenshistory.about.com/od/ancientqueens/tp/women_pharaohs.htm)
enrolled agent
“However, when she is compared to the women of today who work in large corporations or who have become icons in their own right, such as Martha Stewart and Oprah, Cleopatra cannot be viewed as evil.”
Is it just me or does this phrase actually mean that Oprah and Martha Stewart are more evil than Cleopatra? Based on this post, Cleopatra engaged on ruthlessness, debauchery, murder and polygamy. I find it hard to believe that Oprah is evil, more so that she is said to be more evil than Cleopatra.
Kurt Avish
Not really. The part you mentioned was trying to say:
In ancient days, women were made to be housewives only and was considered as weak and not able to hold authoritative positions. Forget the evil side of Cleopatra here, what I wanted to say was, that in ancient days, having a woman as Pharaoh was like WTF. However now we have women in high power position. Women who can control others opinion easily.
That’s what I wanted to say. So putting aside her evil sides, if Cleopatra was in our current age, she would have been “Just another woman”.
enrolled agent
@Kurt Avish,
Ahhh… a miscommunication then. Or maybe, I just did not understand your point outright.
Thanks for the clarification though.
Oh, and BTW, you’re right. These days, Cleopatra would just be like any other of those power hungry women that abounds our society. She can be credited for this “revolution” perhaps.
Kamakshi
@Kurt Avish, I feel that it requires a fair amount of audacity to swim against the tide. That is exactly what happened with Cleopatra. She is infamous as an obsessive ruler because she tried to rule and save her empire. I think instead of comparing her to the women of today, we must respect her for all that she stood for.
Kurt Ulrich Avish
Cleopatra VII – The Last Pharaoh of Egypt http://su.pr/5cHuOV
John Sullivan
RT @kurtavish: Cleopatra VII – The Last Pharaoh of Egypt http://su.pr/5cHuOV