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The Greek Pharaoh of Egypt
Surprise! Cleopatra, Egypt's most famous pharaoh, was actually Greek. She ruled from Alexandria, a city founded by her Greek predecessor, Alexander the Great. And since then, her family was acting as the "face of Egypt", while secretly living Greek lives, isolated from any Egyptian cultural interference!
In this sense Cleopatra was a bit of a rebel as she apparently took interest in the language and culture of her subjects. She was the first in her family to do so in about 300 years. Too bad she was also the last.
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In the Shadow of Alexander's Legacy
During Cleopatra's reign, Alexandria boasted a unique tourist attraction: Alexander the Great's tomb. This ancient world wonder drew powerful Romans like Caesar and Antony, eager for a brush with legendary greatness.
Their visits to Alexander's resting place symbolized the deep connections between Hellenistic and Roman cultures, and highlighted Alexandria's significance in the ancient world. Cleopatra likely used these visits to enhance her own prestige and strengthen diplomatic ties.
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The Great Library Bonfire: An Accidental Inferno
The legendary Library of Alexandria met a fiery fate during Cleopatra's time, thanks to a royal sibling squabble gone wrong. As Caesar battled Cleopatra's brother, the grand repository of knowledge accidentally went up in flames.
This catastrophic loss of countless scrolls marked the end of an era in human learning. Lesson learned: family feuds and priceless libraries don't mix well.
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Cleopatra: Victim of History's Oldest Smear Campaign
Much of Cleopatra's story comes from Roman sources – talk about a biased history lesson! As a female absolute ruler and living goddess, she embodied everything Romans loved to hate. Cue the ancient world's biggest smear campaign!
They painted her as a seductress and threat when really, she was out there running an empire and serving diplomatic realness. This propaganda overshadowed her intelligence and political savvy, proving that fake news isn't just a modern problem.
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The Ptolemaic Dynasty: Where Family Reunions Get Deadly
The Ptolemaic dynasty turned family drama into an extreme sport. Cleopatra's dynasty was notorious for its brutality, with family members often murdering each other for power. Cleopatra herself was not exempt from this ruthless tradition, allegedly responsible for the deaths of her two younger brothers and her sister.
This familial violence, while shocking by modern standards, was often a necessity for survival in the cutthroat world of ancient politics.
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IDEAS CURATED BY
CURATOR'S NOTE
Some little known facts about one of the most famous women in history. Learn her whole story and test your knowledge in the Paladin app.
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