Cleopatra VII Philopator: The Last Ptolemaic Egypt

Kaiylah Mercado
Cleopatra’s Legacy
Cleopatra VII Philopator was the last pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt. I chose her because I believe that many women pharaohs are interesting in different ways. Also, while men are believed to be “superior” to being ruler of a kingdom or country, I believe that women should be treated equally, just like Cleopatra was. In final, she did not use her beauty to her advantage. In fact, she had a strong intellect, knowing about a dozen languages and being educated in a variety of subjects. This essay will demonstrate the well-lived life of Cleopatra and her ruling.
Cleopatra was born around 69 B.C. in Alexandria, the capital of Egypt at the time. Her father was King Ptolemy Xll, and not much is known about her mother. While Cleopatra’s ethnicity is debatable, some believe that her lineage could have been black African. After her father died, the throne was left to her, 18 years old at the time, and her 10-year-old brother, Ptolemy XII. Egypt, over the next passing years, struggled to face issues such as a failing economy to famine (History.com). She was forced to flee to Syria because of her brother’s orders. Following that year, Cleopatra had met Julius Caesar, who defeated Ptolemy XII upon pleading from Cleopatra. She was restored to her throne and gave birth to Caesar’s child in 47 B.C. (Cleopatra).
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Not only being popular with her own people, she accomplished things other pharaohs had not cared to do, such as learn the Egyptian language. She was called Philopatris, “she who loves her country.” (Crawford). Cleopatra has shown that women are just as intelligent and strong as men, even if society norms say otherwise. Going through multiple difficulties in her life, Cleopatra did not give up through it all. She remained in her position as pharaoh for as long as she could fight for it. Cleopatra is an influential figure to this day, not only because of her looks, but her powerful