Biography and history of Cleopatra

Abstract

The story of Cleopatra is one of epic proportions. Fully of mystery, intrigue and intelligence, Cleopatra is considered one of the most prominent and powerful figures in history. Due to the "Hollywood-ification" of her life as well as legendary stories that have pervaded history, it is hard to differentiate what is myth and what is real. One thing for certain is that Cleopatra was a brilliant and powerful woman whose place in history is rightfully earned. Her charm and innate charisma were tools that helped her to control many powerful men in her life, and also led to her eventual demise.
One truth about Cleopatra is that she was actually the seventh and the last of a long line of queens named Cleopatra. The famous Cleopatra we associate with today was born in 69 BC in Alexandria, which was the capital of Egypt at the time. Her father was Pharaoh Ptolemy XII, who was nicknamed the Flute Player. Her mother was assumed to be his sister, Cleopatra V Tyrphaena. Cleopatra VII also had two older sisters, named Cleopatra VI, the other Berenice, in addition to a younger sister named Arsinoe. Two younger brothers both named Ptolemy rounded out the royal Macedonian family. The lineage derived from Ptolemy I, who was a general of Alexander the Great. Following Alexander's death in 323 BC, Ptolemy became king