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69 BCE
Birth of Cleopatra
Cleopatra VII Thea Philopater is born in Alexandria, Egypt to a troubled dynasty. Although the Ptolemy dynasty had ruled successfully for nearly three centuries there kingdom was eclipsed by the power of Rome. Of Macedonian Greek descent she was destined to rule Egypt. Cleopatra translates into 'famous in her father', Ptolemy XII. -
Period: 69 BCE to 31 BCE
Life of Cleopatra
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51 BCE
Death of Cleopatra's father, Ptolemy XII
Upon her father's death, 18 year old Cleopatra is crowned as the ruler of Egypt along with her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII. As her brother being only 12 years old, Cleopatra becomes the dominant ruler. -
50 BCE
Cleopatra is exiled from Egypt
With the help of his followers Ptolemy XIII impels Cleopatra after she attempts to become the sole sovereign of Egypt, forcing her to flee to Syria where her brother gains supremacy over the throne. -
48 BCE
Cleopatra is reinstated as Queen of Egypt
Cleopatra raises an army to regain control over Egypt creating a civil war. Roman General Julius Caesar arrives in Egypt. As Egypt is a powerful and wealthy ally and it is in the Roman Empire's economic interests to resolve the internal conflict. Here Cleopatra uses deception to gain an audience with Caesar, using her charm and beauty to seduce him. With Caesars's aid Cleopatra reclaims Egypt, kills Ptolemy XIII and co-rules with her husband and brother Ptolemy XIV. -
44 BCE
Assassination of Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar is assassinated during the time Cleopatra and her son, Caesarian, are visiting Rome. Caesars death plunged the Roman Empire into turmoil. -
42 BCE
Mark Antony claims control of the Roman Empire
Mark Antony assumes Caesar's authority as the leader of Rome. Cleopatra pivotally supports Mark Antony over Caesar's sickly nephew, Octavian/Augustus. When Mark Antony meets Cleopatra he falls inextricably in love with her and returns to Alexandria together as lovers, where he recognises Cleopatra as an independent monarch -
31 BCE
Battle of Actium
After years of living a sumptuous lifestyle with Cleopatra, Octavian wages war against Mark Antony to seize the Roman Empire after spreading propaganda against him. A naval war ensues in Greek shores between Octavian's forces and the combined army of Cleopatra and Antony. Upon hearing false news of his wife's death Mark Antony stabs himself, he is carried to Cleopatra where he dies. Cleopatra then commits suicide, and Egypt becomes a province of Rome.