Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator was the last active pharaoh of ancient Egypt, reigning from 51 to 30 BC. A brilliant and charismatic leader, she was renowned for her intellect, linguistic skills, and strategic political alliances.
She famously cultivated relationships with Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, leveraging these connections to protect Egypt’s independence and expand its influence. Her reign marked a pivotal period in the transition of Egypt from a Hellenistic kingdom to a Roman province.
Ultimately, facing defeat by Octavian (later Augustus), she chose to end her own life rather than suffer the humiliation of being paraded as a captive in Rome, cementing her legendary status.
“In praising Antony, I have dispraised Caesar.”
Cleopatra (unverified)
Winston Churchill Marie Curie Albert Einstein Ralph Waldo Emerson Eleanor Roosevelt