Cleopatra the last pharaoh of egypt was not egyptian she was actually greek

Cleopatra: The Last Pharaoh of Egypt, but not Egyptian

Cleopatra VII, known as Cleopatra, was one of the most famous and intriguing figures of ancient times. As the last active Pharaoh of Egypt, she left an indelible mark on history. However, there is a common misconception surrounding her origins. Contrary to what many believe, Cleopatra was not Egyptian but was actually of Greek descent.

## The Ptolemaic Dynasty and Cleopatra’s Greek Heritage

To understand Cleopatra’s heritage, we need to delve into the dynastic history of Egypt. Cleopatra belonged to the Ptolemaic dynasty, which ruled Egypt for nearly three centuries after the conquest of Alexander the Great. The Ptolemies were of Macedonian Greek origin and established themselves as the ruling elite in Egypt.

Cleopatra’s family, descendants of Ptolemy I, reigned over Egypt for several generations. They tightly held onto their Greek cultural identity, often intermarrying within the family to maintain their Greek bloodline. Greek language and culture were dominant in the royal court, and the Ptolemies established Greek cities and institutions throughout Egypt.

## Cleopatra’s Early Life and Education

Born in 69 BC, Cleopatra was the daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes and possibly Cleopatra V Tryphaena. While there are speculations about her mother’s identity, Cleopatra’s Greek lineage from her father’s side was never in doubt. Growing up in Alexandria, Egypt’s vibrant Greek city, Cleopatra received an education befitting a future ruler.

Cleopatra was highly educated in various subjects, including philosophy, science, mathematics, and languages. She became fluent in multiple languages, including Greek, Egyptian, and Latin, further showcasing her diverse cultural background.

## Cleopatra’s Cultural Identity and Image

Despite being ethnically Greek, Cleopatra astutely embraced Egyptian culture. To solidify her legitimacy as a pharaoh, Cleopatra presented herself as an Egyptian ruler, adopting the traditional regalia and religious customs associated with ancient Egypt. She famously identified herself as the reincarnation of the Egyptian goddess Isis, reinforcing her connection with the Egyptian people.

Moreover, Cleopatra employed her intelligence and charm to build alliances with Rome, the dominant power of the time, further establishing her influence in the Mediterranean region. Her relationships with Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony elevated her political status, positioning her as a key player on the world stage.

## The Legacy of Cleopatra

Cleopatra’s reign marked a tumultuous period in Egypt’s history. Although she was unable to secure the long-term independence of her kingdom from Rome, her charisma, intelligence, and political acumen fascinated contemporaries and continue to captivate scholars and enthusiasts today.

Cleopatra’s Greek heritage played a significant role in shaping her life and reign. It allowed her to navigate the complexities of ruling a diverse Egyptian population while effectively interacting with the influential Greek and Roman cultures.

Despite not being Egyptian by blood, Cleopatra’s legacy and impact on history cannot be ignored. She will forever be remembered as an iconic figure, not only for her role as the last Pharaoh of Egypt but also for her unique blend of Greek and Egyptian cultural influences. Cleopatra’s story serves as a reminder of the intermingling of cultures and the complexities of identity in ancient times.

Source: Britannica