Summary (10-80): PtolemyXI, pharaoh of Egypt, inherited the throne from his father Ptolemy XI. By his side, was his wife Berenice. Wanting the throne and all its glory for himself, Ptolemy murdered his wife, only to be killed for it by an angry mob of Alexandrians afterwards. Egypt’s world was about to crumble. Later, though, the legitimate son of the last Ptolemy took the throne and Cleopatra became her younger brother’s queen.
Quote: “In 81 the death of Ptolemy IX, king of Egypt, plunged the Ptolemaic dynasty into crisis,” (Cleopatra,10).
Reaction: Joyce Tyldesley tells the story of one of the world’s most successful, daring, astute women; Cleopatra. Tyldesley describes the near crumble of Egypt, the rise and fall of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the violence between Rome and Egypt, and the woman who helped cared for it all. Cleopatra is described as a strong political figure rather than the beautiful succubus she is believed to be. Her reign over the land brought Egypt to its most success, along with raising it from the dangers of collapse. Overall, the author explains Cleopatra’s story with detail and clarity.
Summary (pg.81- 140): Cleopatra is the pharaoh of Egypt, and unaware that she would be the last. After her liaison with Caesar, (a love no one in Rome supported), she gave birth to Caesarion, declaring that one day he would be king of all Egypt. Things take a terrible turn when Caser is killed and Cleopatra’s brother, as well Romans do their best to take down the queen. The queen, being head strong and powerful, refuses to be defeated.
Quote: “…Cleopatra’s choice of symbols suggests that she was deliberately identifying herself not only with Isis, but also with the politically powerful and still-popular Arsinoë II, who was herself identified with Isis” (Tyldesley, 136).
Note: Isis was a powerful Egyptian Goddess.
Reaction: Cleopatra is definitely known for her authority and Tyldesley highlights those points very well. As the author describes the Egyptian gods, it is with blatancy that she hints of Cleopatra’s power as well. It was shocking to see just how much authority Cleopatra had at this point in the story, and made it an intriguing point that kept me reading. She commanded her armies, served in battles, and fought for her position. The way Cleopatra is described would make it seem like she was some kind of goddess who held control to all of Alexandria and Egypt. Tyldesley delivers an exciting and open tale about one of the most amazing women that ever lived.
Summary: Cleopatra, one of the world’s most illustrious figures in history, is at the top Egypt’s royalty. When her love for Caesar, a Roman leader is discovered, his death ensues along with the birth of Cleopatra’s first son. Cleopatra then finds love and comfort in Mark Antony, another Roman leader whose love for the Egyptian queen kills him. Octavian, a Roman ruler who despises Cleopatra, threatens to kill Cleopatra. Mark Antony, believing the lie that Cleopatra is dead, falls on his sword. Hearing this Cleopatra plans her end; refusing to be alive if Octavian should capture her.
Reaction: The story of Cleopatra held two major themes for me; power and love. Both twined together for Cleopatra, and her love for both killed her. In my opinion she was a strong leader, nearly invincible. Even if Mark Antony hadn’t killed himself, I believe Cleopatra would’ve died either way, but by the orders of Octavian. She was cunning in the way she kept her kingdom together and she refused to give up. She was ambitious and brave, which is very hard to find in a true queen because of their fine titles and luxurious lives. Indisputably, Cleopatra was one of the most memorable, powerful, and amazing women that ever lived.
