Monday, November 3, 2014

Cleopatra Please!

Let’s continue this trend I've established and talk more about the famous women of Egypt!

General Knowledge about Cleopatra:

Who doesn't know who Cleopatra is? I’m almost certain that everyone has at least heard that name once or twice in their lifetime. She is one of the most well-known Egyptian Queens like ever and you can see her many dapple gangers parading around the streets during Halloween. She was born during the Greek Hellenistic period specific date was 69 B.C. Her family had been ruling Egypt 100 years prior to her birth. Many perceive her of Greek heritage but some have speculated to believe she was from African descent. She is known for her narcissism and never ending need to look elegant. She may have been an Egyptian queen but her ties run deep with Greek society. Shakespeare even took the time to write a tragic play about her and Marc Antony. Julius Caesar and Marc Antony both had children with Cleopatra. Cleopatra did anything in her power to ensure her children would reign powerful in Egypt. Julius Caesar was her lover and she pursued him until he was assassinated in 44 B.C. I’m assuming after that she was like totally over him because she instantly sided with Marc Antony and had twins with him. I guess you can call that homie hopping ancient Egypt edition (boooo). She even resorted to murdering any competition that stood in her way, such ruthlessness was common and necessary in Egyptian dynastic politics. Her cunning deception and wit helped her survive during her reign and push to the top (something completely awesome and admirable of her personality). She was also very patriotic, even though during that time Alexandria based rulers took up the language and the customs of the Greeks, she took the time to learn Egyptian. She was a very popular queen of her time even being called Philopatris which means she who loves her country.
Some Wicked Facts:

-      After fleeing Egypt Cleopatra established an army to defeat her husband/brother Ptolemy XIII.
-      In a male dominated society Cleopatra held her ground and kept Egypt intact earning her the same rankings as her male counterparts.
-      Cleopatra was the last pharaoh of Egypt. Thus ending Egypt’s pharaoh based reign of power. (tear tear)
-      Cleopatra committed suicide by allowing a snake to bite her after she was informed that Marc Antony had killed himself.
-      Cleopatra married her brother who was only 10 years old at the time, she was 18. (Gross)
-      Cleopatra isn’t actually that beautiful she is portrayed with manly features such as thin lips a pointy nose and a defined chin in many ancient art depictions.
-      After Cleopatra and Marc Antony committed suicide their son, too young to defend himself, was killed by Octavian the future emperor of Rome.
-      Cleopatra seduced Marc Antony with her truckloads of perfume she owned. Most of her perfumes contained mercury which was deadly.
-      Cleopatra is a mastermind when it comes to the makeup world. She is known for her bold red lip color (my favorite color of lipstick).



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