Said by one of the most famous female rulers in history; Cleopatra VII

 

Perceived as a seductress who ruined the men in her life and destroyed her kingdom, notorious for her affairs with Marc Antony and Julius Caesar, a woman who would not be humbled in a triumph, a great leader and commander, and an intelligent diplomat, and the list continues.

 

History has only revealed a small part about this unique woman.

 

Here are the most interesting facts about Queen Of The Nile.

 

1. “Not Egyptian”

Cleopatra’s family was descended from the Macedonian general Ptolemy, who had picked up Egypt in the share out after Alexander died.

 

2. “Not Just A Pretty Face”

She was a capable administrator and military commander, diplomat, medical author, also the last ruler of her kingdom. Her defeat by the Romans led to the destruction of her reputation.

 

3. “ Not Elizabeth Taylor”

 

She was rather intelligent, witty and diplomatic.

 

In 75 AD Plutarch’s Life of Antony, he wrote:“ Her actual beauty was not so remarkable that none could be compared with her, or that no one could see her without being struck by it, but the contact of her presence was irresistible. The character that attended all she said or did was something bewitching”

 

4. “A Scent To Greatness”

 She believed in the power of Fragrance not just as a cosmetic but also as a tool of persuasion and seduction.

Cleopatra, had the sails of her boat slicked with fragrant oils before setting out to sea, so that Mark Antony would catch scent of her arrival before laying eyes on her face. 

 

5. “Donkey Milk Bath?”

Cleopatra took daily bath in donkey milk to preserve her beauty and youth skin. The popularity of Donkey Milk in the personal care industry has increased over the past years due to its many skin benefits; especially for its anti-aging and healing effects.

 

6. “Committed Suicide”

Cleopatra committed suicide by allowing an asp (Egyptian cobra) to bite her on either 10 or 12 August 30 BC in Alexandria, when she was 39 years old.

 

7. “Twisted sister”

She married two of her younger brothers.

Marriage within the family was common among the royal family in ancient Egypt. It is believed that this kept their bloodline ‘pure’. This tradition even continued when Ptolemaic dynasty ruled Egypt

8. “The New Isis”

 Cleopatra maintained her mystique through shows of splendor, identifying herself with the deities Isis and Aphrodite, and in effect creating much of the mythology that surrounds her to this day.

 

9. “A Published Scholarly Author”

 She was a student of mathematics, economy, alchemy, geography, history and every general education you have probably studied in college

 

10.  “A Linguist”

She spoke 9 languages: Native Greek, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Troglodytes, Hebrews, Arabians, Syrians, Medes, and Parthians