Women to be feared

• Who is Cleopatra?

  Cleopatra is the Egyptian queen known for her affairs with Roman generals.
• What impact did Cleopatra have on Rome's generals?

  Her affairs destroyed two of Rome's finest generals and contributed to the end of the Republic.
• How long did Cleopatra's reign bring stability and prosperity to Egypt?

  Nearly 22 years.
• Why do we have limited knowledge of Cleopatra's appearance?

  Most art and descriptions of her came long after her lifetime.
• What dynasty did Cleopatra VII belong to?

  Cleopatra VII was the last of the Ptolemaic dynasty.
• Who did Cleopatra rule jointly with?

  She ruled jointly with her brother, whom she was also married to.
• What happened to Cleopatra's brother?

  He had Cleopatra exiled.
• What was Egypt's relationship with Rome during Cleopatra's time?

  Egypt had long been a Roman client state.
• What debts did Cleopatra's father incur?

  He incurred large debts to the Roman Republic.
• What happened to Pompey in Egypt?

  Pompey was executed by Cleopatra's brother after seeking refuge there.
• How did Julius Caesar react to Pompey's murder?

  He found the murder unseemly and demanded repayment of Egypt's debt.
• What did Cleopatra convince Caesar to do instead of annexing Egypt?

  She convinced him to restore her to the throne.
• What age did Cleopatra command armies?

  She commanded armies at the age of 21.
• What languages did Cleopatra speak?

  She spoke several languages.
• What did Caesar do during his time in Egypt?

  He was fascinated by Egypt's culture and learned much.
• What reforms did Caesar implement upon returning to Rome?

  He reformed the calendar, commissioned a census, and proposed infrastructure projects.
• What was Cleopatra's role in managing Egypt during her reign?

  She stabilized the economy and managed the bureaucracy.
• How did Cleopatra respond to drought in Egypt?

  She opened the granaries to the public and passed a tax amnesty.
• Where was Cleopatra educated?

  She was educated in a city with the world's finest library.
• What was the outcome of Cleopatra's reign in terms of revolts?

  There were no revolts during the rest of her reign.
• What happened after Caesar's death regarding Cleopatra's involvement in Roman affairs?

  She could not stop meddling in Roman matters due to demands from Roman factions.
• Why did Cleopatra support Octavian and Marc Antony?

  She supported them for the sake of their son and to avenge Caesar.
• What was Cleopatra's relationship with Marc Antony?

  She provided her particular kind of support to Marc Antony.
• How did Cleopatra and Antony's actions affect the Republic?

  They offended the Republic with their celebrations and behavior.
• What did Octavian do in response to Cleopatra and Antony's actions?

  He attacked Antony, annexed Egypt, and declared himself Emperor.
• How did Cleopatra's story survive through history?

  Her story survived mainly in the accounts of her enemies in Rome.
• What stereotype does Cleopatra's story highlight regarding powerful women?

  Powerful women are often defined by their sexuality.
• What challenges do historians face in understanding Cleopatra's life?

  Historians face gaps filled with rumors and stereotypes.
• What were Cleopatra's contributions to Egypt during her reign?

  • Stabilized the economy
  • Managed the vast bureaucracy
  • Curbed corruption by priests and officials
  • Opened granaries during drought
  • Passed a tax amnesty
  • Maintained stability and independence
• What were the consequences of Cleopatra's relationships with Roman leaders?

  • Offended the Roman Republic
  • Contributed to the perception of her as a manipulative figure
  • Led to Octavian's attack on Antony and annexation of Egypt
  • Highlighted the fear of a powerful woman in politics