Cleopatra
Cleopatra ruled over Egypt for almost three decades. At 18, she ascended the throne, alongside her brother Ptolemy XIII, who was 10 years old, after their father died. In 49 B.C., her brother’s advisers succeeded in running Cleopatra out of Egypt, but with Julius Caesar’s help, she was reinstated a few years later with her brother, Ptolemy XIV. Cleopatra gave birth to Ptolemy Caesar, who is believed to be Caesar’s son. In 44 B.C., Julius Caesar was murdered and shortly after, Ptolemy XIV died, so Cleopatra ruled Egypt with her son.
Cleopatra
What Cleopatra Really Looked Like
Cleopatra could speak multiple languages and was well-educated, so she became the dominant ruler when she was co-regent. In addition, she was considered an exotic beauty who used the powers of seduction, and was known for her alliances and romantic relations with the rulers of other empires. 3D artists used existing sculptures and portraiture to determine what Cleopatra really looked like. The Egyptian queen’s masculine features and prominent nose might be surprising to some who watched Elizabeth Taylor portray Cleopatra in film.
What Cleopatra Really Looked Like
