Why Is Cleopatra An Important Figure In History?

Who do you think of when you hear the name Cleopatra? Most people automatically know which Cleopatra is being referred to yet, almost every female pharaoh or queen was named Cleopatra. The most famous was Cleopatra VII. So, what makes Cleopatra VII stand out more? Why is she the one everyone thinks of when that name is mentioned. She was a strong female leader in a time that was dominated by men. She is an important figure in world history because of her leadership and influence.

Cleopatra VII would be known as the last Macedonian queen of Egypt. She was born in 69 B.C. and was a descendant of Ptolemaic kings, her father being Ptolemy XII (Roller, 15). When her father died, he left the kingdom to Cleopatra VII and her younger brother Ptolemy XIII. Cleopatra was eighteen years old and had to marry her brother and co-ruler because of Egyptian law

Unlike women of her time, she was aggressive and defied the submissive role women were supposed to play in politics. Cleopatra is still important today because she did everything in her power accomplish what she wanted to get done and to protect Egypt, and for that she should be remembered. Historically, she has been known for her seduction, but she should be recognized for social and political limitations she beat to keep her position as the Pharaoh of Egypt.

Cleopatra used her wit, sexuality and persuasiveness, to entice two of the world’s most powerful men. From the beginning of her reign, she had to overcome an Egyptian society that did not accept females without male guidance. She lived in a male-dominated world and still made her impact on history. Cleopatra’s leadership is what distinguished her from the other Cleopatra’s that existed. She is an important leader because she was one of the first influential female leaders and acquired more power than most. She is important in history because she influenced her people, Egypt, and now the