Cleopatra Real Face, What is Cleopatra Full Name?
by Keerthana | Updated Aug 29, 2023
Cleopatra Real Face
In a world where the image of Cleopatra has been largely shaped by Hollywood's portrayal, ancient coin portraits provide a surprising and authentic glimpse into the true appearance of the iconic queen. These coin portraits, despite diverging from our conventional expectations, stand as the only certain depictions of Cleopatra.
Yet, skeptics have not ceased attempting to discredit them as inaccurately stylized renditions, fueled by the hope that an alternate face of Cleopatra might emerge, aligning more closely with modern preconceptions. While some argue that these coin portraits may have been the work of inexperienced artists, there is compelling evidence to suggest their validity. During that era, a trend toward portraying subjects with unembellished realism swept across the Mediterranean.
Cleopatra's image appears to have been no exception, with features like pronounced noses and determined chins, while possibly slightly exaggerated, being integral to capturing the essence of the individual. Rather than striving for an idealized image, these representations aimed for authenticity.
Interestingly, coin portraits of Cleopatra's father exhibit similar characteristics—a prominent nose and sloping forehead—which could imply that these physical traits were hereditary. The lovers in Cleopatra's life also deviate from modern perceptions. Julius Caesar, for instance, is depicted with a furrowed, slender neck and a crown concealing his bald head. Mark Antony, known for his distinctive jutting chin and broken nose, bears little resemblance to Richard Burton's portrayal.
These coin portraits emerged from various locations in the eastern Mediterranean, ranging from Alexandria in Egypt to Greece's port city of Patras. Cleopatra's territorial acquisitions, bestowed upon her by Mark Antony, led to the issuance of coins in her name across these regions.
While individual artists may have varied in their stylistic interpretations, a consistent attention to detail suggests adherence to guidelines set by an official image—potentially one endorsed by Cleopatra herself, complete with her recognizable nose and chin.In challenging the cinematic Cleopatra, these ancient coin portraits provide a captivating insight into the genuine appearance of one of history's most iconic figures
Who is Cleopatra?
Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, reigning from 51 to 30 BC. She was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, descended from Ptolemy I Soter, a general under Alexander the Great. Cleopatra was known for her intellect, multilingual abilities, and her role in Roman politics and affairs.
Her reign was marked by complex power struggles, including a civil war between her and her brother Ptolemy XIII, as well as her relationships with prominent Roman figures like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Cleopatra's involvement in Roman politics and her romantic liaisons led to significant historical events, including the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.
Cleopatra's legacy endures through various depictions in art, literature, and popular culture, making her one of history's most iconic and enigmatic figures. She is remembered as a queen who sought to protect her kingdom's interests and played a pivotal role in the transition from the Hellenistic era to the Roman era in Egypt..
Cleopatra Full Name
Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, born around 70/69 BC and passing away on August 10, 30 BC, was not only the last reigning Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt but also a figure whose image has left a lasting imprint on history. Descended from the lineage of Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Great's generals, Cleopatra's reign witnessed both intrigue and transformation.
Despite the numerous depictions of Cleopatra that have circulated over time, the most accurate representations we have of her are the ancient coin portraits. These coin portraits offer a glimpse into her true appearance, challenging the idealized Hollywood image that has permeated popular culture. These images reveal her distinctive features, such as her large nose and determined chin, which were characteristic of the artistic trend of the era to capture realistic attributes.
Cleopatra's early life was accompanied by political turmoil and familial conflicts. Exiled along with her father, Ptolemy XII Auletes, she returned to Egypt after his death, inheriting a kingdom riddled with financial difficulties and unrest. Her reign was marked by alliances, rivalries, and complex political maneuvers, especially with figures like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Cleopatra's interactions with these powerful men not only affected her own fate but also had far-reaching implications for Egypt and Rome.
The famous liaison between Cleopatra and Mark Antony is well documented, as are their efforts to consolidate power and resist Octavian, later known as Augustus. The tragic outcome of their alliance, culminating in their defeat at the Battle of Actium and Cleopatra's subsequent suicide, marked the end of an era—the last remnants of the Hellenistic period.
Cleopatra's legacy continued through the ages, inspiring a wealth of artistic and cultural interpretations. From Roman busts, paintings, and sculptures to Renaissance and Baroque works, she became a subject of fascination and creativity. Her allure extended even to modern times, with her iconic image featured prominently in various forms of media, including Hollywood films and commercial branding.
Through the lens of history, Cleopatra emerges as a complex and influential figure who left an indelible mark on both ancient and contemporary societies. Her life story is not just one of power struggles and alliances but also of a remarkable woman who defied conventions and navigated the tumultuous currents of her time.
Egypt under the Rule of Cleopatra
During Cleopatra's rule over Egypt, her governance followed the pattern of a virtual absolute monarchy, much like the historical precedents in the Kingdom of Macedon and the Hellenistic monarchies that emerged from Alexander the Great's conquests. Prior to Cleopatra's reign, Greece had experienced diverse forms of government, from democracies to oligarchies. However, the Hellenistic monarchies of the Antigonid, Seleucid, and Ptolemaic realms came to exert significant influence over the Greek city-states.
The Ptolemaic Kingdom, under Cleopatra's rule, was established in Egypt, but she aimed to expand its reach. Her ambition was to incorporate territories across North Africa, West Asia, and the eastern Mediterranean that had been part of her ancestor Ptolemy I Soter's domain.
Cleopatra held nominal authority as the sole lawgiver of her kingdom. She directly engaged in administrative affairs, as evidenced by documents such as a papyrus granting tax exemptions, which bore her signature. The Musaeum and Library of Alexandria attracted scholars from the Hellenistic world, promoting intellectual exchange. Cleopatra also held a significant religious role, performing rituals in the ancient Egyptian tradition. This included not only preserving Egyptian religious practices but also overseeing Greek religious ceremonies, given the multicultural nature of Ptolemaic cities like Alexandria.
The upper echelons of Cleopatra's government were occupied by ethnic Greeks, although Egypt's bureaucratic system, rooted in the scribal tradition, persisted. Some administrators were retained from her father's reign, despite losses in the civil war with her brother Ptolemy XIII.
Ptolemaic Egyptian society was divided into two classes: Greeks and Egyptians. Greeks resided mainly in city-states and were considered full citizens. Greeks and Jews owned land and served as clerical officers in the military. Native Egyptians, although often excluded, were reintroduced into the military during Ptolemy IV's reign.
Cleopatra and her predecessors sought control over Egypt's economy. Agricultural activities formed the backbone of the economy, thanks to the fertile Nile floodplains. Egypt's surplus food was exported throughout the Mediterranean world. However, Cleopatra's rule faced financial challenges, necessitating the debasement of the currency and interventions to mitigate financial corruption.
Cleopatra's reign is documented through coinage from various regions, illustrating her image and partnerships, such as those with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Additionally, Cleopatra's legacy extended to her building projects. She established the Caesareum temple and a synagogue in Alexandria and oversaw repairs and construction across various sites, leaving behind her mark in the architecture of Egypt.
Cleopatra's rule in Egypt was characterized by a fusion of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian elements in both governance and architecture. Her administration embraced diverse cultures and upheld established traditions, while her ambitions aimed to expand Egypt's influence across the Mediterranean and the ancient world.
Death of Cleopatra
The death of Cleopatra marked the tragic end of an era and the conclusion of her tumultuous reign over Egypt. As the forces of Octavian, later known as Augustus, closed in on Alexandria, Cleopatra and Mark Antony found themselves in a dire situation. Octavian's victory at the Battle of Actium had greatly weakened their position, and the end seemed inevitable.
As Octavian occupied Athens, Antony and Cleopatra made their separate moves. Antony traveled to Cyrene to raise more troops, while Cleopatra sailed into the harbor at Alexandria in an attempt to deceive others into thinking that her situation was more favorable than it truly was. The conflicting reports about her financial state and her alleged actions, such as robbing temples for funds, are a mix of historical records and likely propaganda.
News of Octavian's victory reached Antony's appointed governor, Lucius Pinarius, who promptly switched allegiance to Octavian. Antony's morale plummeted, and he even contemplated suicide, though his staff officers intervened. Antony built a reclusive cottage on Pharos Island, naming it the Timoneion after the philosopher Timon of Athens, known for his cynicism. Cleopatra faced difficult choices, possibly considering leaving Egypt to her son Caesarion, but external factors forced her to stay and negotiate with Octavian.
The political landscape was complex, with alliances shifting and betrayals unfolding. In the midst of negotiations and military movements, Cleopatra continued to prepare Caesarion to become the sole ruler of Egypt, hoping to secure her legacy. Octavian's advance into Egypt was relentless, with key victories and strategic moves that weakened Antony's forces. The fate of Cleopatra and Egypt hung in the balance.
Cleopatra's decision to send Caesarion away and her subsequent negotiations with Octavian demonstrated her unwavering determination to preserve her kingdom. However, faced with the prospect of being paraded in a Roman triumph, Cleopatra chose death over humiliation. In a final act of defiance and self-preservation, Cleopatra allowed herself to be poisoned, traditionally thought to have been delivered by an Egyptian cobra. Her servants, Eiras and Charmion, followed her example in a tragic display of loyalty.
Cleopatra's death marked the end of Hellenistic Egypt and the beginning of Roman rule over the region. With Cleopatra gone, her son Caesarion's brief reign came to a tragic end as well. Octavian solidified his position as the first Roman emperor, Augustus, and annexed Egypt as a Roman province.
The Hellenistic age that began with Alexander the Great's conquests came to a close, giving way to the Roman Empire.Cleopatra's legacy lives on through historical accounts, art, and literature. Her dramatic life and tragic demise continue to captivate and intrigue people, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment in history where ancient Egypt and Rome converged.
Cleopatra Real Face- FAQs
No, there are no contemporary depictions of Cleopatra's face. Portraits of her vary and are often influenced by the artistic styles of different periods.
We don't have any definitive portraits made during her lifetime. Our understanding of her appearance is based on artistic interpretations from different eras.
Cleopatra was of Greek-Macedonian descent, as the Ptolemaic dynasty that ruled Egypt was founded by Alexander the Great's general, Ptolemy I Soter.
Yes, Cleopatra had several children, including a son named Caesarion with Julius Caesar and twins Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene II with Mark Antony.
Cleopatra's exact cause of death is debated, but historical accounts suggest she died by suicide, commonly believed to be from snakebite, likely an asp.