Cleopatra VII (69–30 BCE) was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, and one of the most iconic figures of the ancient world. Born into the Macedonian-Greek dynasty founded by Ptolemy I, one of Alexander the Great's generals, Cleopatra was exceptionally well-educated and is believed to have been the first ruler of her dynasty to learn the Egyptian language.
Cleopatra ruled Egypt initially alongside her father, and later with her brothers, before eventually becoming sole ruler. A shrewd and capable politician, she formed powerful alliances with Rome's most influential men, most notably Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony, using these relationships to protect Egypt's independence and strengthen her own position.
Following the defeat of her forces alongside Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, and the subsequent invasion of Egypt by Octavian, Cleopatra took her own life in 30 BCE rather than be paraded as a captive in Rome. Her death marked the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the absorption of Egypt into the Roman Empire. She remains one of history's most celebrated and enduring figures.
