Cleopatra

On the basis of this chapter, what can you say about Cleopatra (upbringing, character,

Cleopatra was a women who grew up in a very wealthy and powerful family. She was taught to take power and was a very cunning women, as we see through her relationship with Julius Ceaser and her deceptions around Alexandria. We also saw her take charge when it came to women's right and when it came to caring for her citizens. 

Her education succeeded that of her fathers and was virtually equal to Ceasars. He can see that she was one of the first powerful and cunning women in power, especially in the Hellenistic period. She loved literature and understood the power of education and knowledge. Yet she did focus on what was Greek 

On the basis of this chapter, what you can say about Julius Caesar? 

I can say that Julius Ceasar was a renowned Roman general who was enemies with Pompey. After Pompey was beheaded by the Ptolatic empire he grew enamored and had a relationship with Cleopatra that was beneficial to both of them. This helped grow his power and army and gave him more resources to better plan pillages. 

3. What do you learn from this chapter about the history and character of the Ptolemies? Be specific. 

The Ptolemies were a very wealthy and interconnected family. While it normal for them at the time, they were very incestual and were known as the family of orgy’s and murders. They also were very biased towards the Greek and tended to not speak Egyptian or Latin. They relied on translators to speak to their subjects and other kingdoms. 

As discussed in this chapter, how did the status of women in Egypt differ from their role elsewhere in the ancient world? 

Women were much more powerful in Egypt then they were elsewhere. They had the power to work, to vote, to marry and divorce, and all of this could be done without a mans approval. All the while the traditional men’s role were also affected as they could be left at home to tend to the loom or garden while their wives worked. 

What does the title of this chapter—“Dead Men Don’t Bite”—refer to? 

Dead Men Don't bite refers to the council that the reigning Ptolemy had at the time. They often advised him on different topics in his kingdom and in relation to this chapter, they helped advice wether to let Pompey in and make an enemy of Ceaser or the opposite 

Achillas

Achillas was an Egyptian general who served under Queen Cleopatra VII during the late Hellenistic period. He is perhaps best known for his role in the power struggles and conflicts that occurred in Egypt during Cleopatra's reign.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a city located on the northern coast of Egypt, along the Mediterranean Sea. It was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE and named after him. Alexandria quickly became one of the most important cities in the ancient world, known for its strategic location, cultural richness, and intellectual vibrancy.

Arsinoe

Arsinoe IV was born around 68 BCE as the daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes, the ruler of Egypt. She was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which was founded by Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Great's generals, and ruled Egypt for several centuries after Alexander's death.

Auletes

During his reign, Ptolemy XII Auletes faced numerous challenges, including internal dissent, external threats, and financial difficulties. He was known for his efforts to secure his rule and maintain stability in Egypt, often relying on support from foreign powers, particularly Rome.

Caesar and Cleopatra

Caesar and Cleopatra quickly formed a close relationship, both political and personal. Caesar was impressed by Cleopatra's intelligence, charm, and political acumen, while Cleopatra saw in Caesar a powerful ally who could help her secure her position as ruler of Egypt. Their alliance was cemented by the birth of their son, Caesarion, in 47 BCE, whom Cleopatra claimed was Caesar's biological child.

Mithradates the Great

Mithridates VI, known as Mithridates the Great, was a king of Pontus, an ancient kingdom in present-day Turkey. He fought against the expanding Roman Republic to protect his kingdom's independence. Despite early victories, he was eventually defeated by Rome in a series of wars. Mithridates chose to end his own life rather than surrender to Rome. He is remembered as a skilled military leader who challenged Roman power in the eastern Mediterranean but ultimately lost to their might.

Nile River—

Great for argicultural prosperoty, transportantion and was rich to the culture and religion in ancient greece. Also provided lots of defense for the Ptolematic empire

Pothinus

Pothinus was an influential figure in ancient Egypt during the reign of Cleopatra VII. He served as the chief adviser and regent to Ptolemy XIII, Cleopatra's younger brother and co-ruler. Pothinus was instrumental in orchestrating the exile and subsequent rebellion of Cleopatra against her brother. He manipulated Ptolemy XIII and used him as a puppet ruler while consolidating his own control over the government. Pothinus also played a key role in the conflict between Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, siding with Ptolemy XIII against Cleopatra and her Roman allies.

Ptolemy XIII

Ptolemy XIII's reign was marked by political instability and conflict, both within Egypt and with external powers such as Rome. He was involved in a power struggle with Cleopatra and her Roman allies, including Julius Caesar, who supported Cleopatra's claim to the throne. ascended alongside Cleopatra

Ptolemy XIV

Ptolemy XIV was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the younger brother of Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Ptolemy XIV served as a co-ruler alongside Cleopatra during a tumultuous period in Egyptian history. Ptolemy XIV's reign coincided with significant geopolitical changes, including the escalating conflict between Cleopatra and the forces of Octavian

Caesarion

son of cleopatra and caesar. Caesarion's reign as co-ruler was short-lived, as Egypt soon became embroiled in the power struggles between Cleopatra and the forces of Octavian (later known as Augustus), the heir of Julius Caesar and the future emperor of Rome. After the defeat of Cleopatra and her Roman ally Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, Caesarion's fate was sealed.

Isis

Isis, in the context of the Hellenistic period, was a significant deity in ancient Egyptian religion. She was worshipped as a goddess who represented motherhood, fertility, magic, and protection. Isis was often depicted as a caring mother, sometimes with the infant god Horus, and she was associated with healing and providing comfort to the afflicted. Her worship extended beyond Egypt and into other parts of the Mediterranean world, where she became syncretized with Greek and Roman deities.

Cleopatra in Rome

Cleopatra's visit to Rome also had significant political implications. It served to legitimize her rule in Egypt and reinforce her alliance with Caesar, which was crucial for maintaining her position as the ruler of Egypt. However, Cleopatra's close association with Caesar also made her a target for his political enemies, who saw her as a threat to Roman interests.

Cicero

Cicero is widely regarded as one of the greatest orators and writers of ancient Rome. He was known for his eloquence, wit, and rhetorical skill, and his works have had a profound influence on Western philosophy, politics, and literature. he opposed Julius Caesar.

Cleopatra and Caesar’s Death

In simple terms, after Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE, Cleopatra returned to Egypt. Though Cleopatra and Caesar had a son named Caesarion, Caesar's adopted heir, Octavian (later known as Augustus), rose to power in Rome. Cleopatra aligned herself with Mark Antony in opposition to Octavian. Their alliance led to the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, where they were defeated. Facing capture and humiliation, Cleopatra and Mark Antony died by suicide. This marked the end of Cleopatra's reign and Egypt's annexation by Rome.

Mark Antony and Octavian

Mark Antony and Octavian were initially allies in the Second Triumvirate but their relationship soured due to disagreements and power struggles. Octavian portrayed Mark Antony as being under Cleopatra's influence, leading to conflict. Their rivalry culminated in the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, where Octavian emerged victorious. Mark Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide, allowing Octavian to become the first Roman emperor, Augustus.

Actium

A city in the north where Cleopatra distributed men. The intention was to protect the supply lines to Alexandria and Egypt on the basis that Octavian had declared war. It was excellent harbor for the men and was a great battle sight. The outcome of the battle of Actium was unclear for days and Mark Antony understood that he just lost a lot og glory in that battle 

Agrippa

Marcus Agrippa was a talented lieutenant that fought many battles, most likely his intention was to deflect attention from Cleopatra and median arrangements. In 31 he was Octavian’s admiral and made a swift crossing to Greece where he supplied the military acumen his commander lacked.

Ahenobarbus

He was Antony’s most distinguished supporter and a proud republican. He led the consuls who had fled to Ephesus. He had fought at Philippi against Antony, yet one of his sons was promised to Antony’s daughter.  

Antonia

The Antonia was Cleopatra’s flagship. It had ten banks of oars and decorated bow which evoked little pride. It was where Cleopatra loaded her chest of treasure while avoiding Octavian. 

Antony and Octavian

they were rivals of each other and fought many battles. Octavian was afraid Antony would seize Rome 

Athens

A place where Antony and Octavia have been previously. Antony has taken over the Alexandria gym as he did the within the Athens. Ephesus was located across the Aegean from the Athens. It was a great harbor to establish a military base. Cleopatra was the first Ptolemaic queen to set foot in Athens and they made statues that erected the Ptolemies. 

Nicolaus of Damascus

The five children the Cleopatra took charge of where under the schooling of Nicolaus who taught like Aristotle. He was a logician and taught philosophy and rhetoric.  

Plancus

One of Antony’s closest advisors and a former provincial governor and was in charge of correspondence. He was a dancing fish of a human and deserted Cleopatra to return to Rome. He betrayed just as much as he bowed. 

Spear drenched in pig blood

Octavian summon Cleopatra and appeared in a military cloak, here he launched a spear drenched in pig blood in a ritual of “hostile soil” towards Rome. He may have invented this ritual.