Quis Erat Cleopatra?

Latin IV Culture/Reading Lesson

Images of CleopatraImages of Cleopatra

Images of CleopatraImages of CleopatraStatue of Cleopatra

Venus di Milo

Cleopatra’s EgyptCleopatra’s Egypt

Cleopatra’s EgyptCleopatra’s Egypt

Egypt was conquered by Alexander the Egypt was conquered by Alexander the Great in the 4Great in the 4thth century B.C. century B.C.

One of his successor generals, Ptolemy, One of his successor generals, Ptolemy, took Egypt for himself following took Egypt for himself following Alexander’s death. He founds the Alexander’s death. He founds the Ptolemaic Empire.Ptolemaic Empire.

From the 4From the 4thth century all the way to 30 century all the way to 30 B.C., all Egypt’s rulers are descendents B.C., all Egypt’s rulers are descendents of Ptolemy. Cleopatra’s father was of Ptolemy. Cleopatra’s father was Ptolemy XII.Ptolemy XII.

Cleopatra’s EgyptCleopatra’s Egypt

Early on, Alexander, and later Ptolemy, Early on, Alexander, and later Ptolemy, unified Greek concepts of authority with unified Greek concepts of authority with Egyptian ideas.Egyptian ideas.

Alexander claimed his father was Zeus Alexander claimed his father was Zeus Amon, which joined the Greek sky-father Amon, which joined the Greek sky-father with the Egyptian sun-god. It also with the Egyptian sun-god. It also established Alexander as a divine being.established Alexander as a divine being.

The Ptolemies continued this tradition; they The Ptolemies continued this tradition; they are often shown in art as Egyptian gods, are often shown in art as Egyptian gods, much like the ancient pharaohs would do.much like the ancient pharaohs would do.

Cleopatra’s EgyptCleopatra’s Egypt

Following Pompey’s conquest of Syria and Following Pompey’s conquest of Syria and Judea in 63 B.C., Egypt was surrounded Judea in 63 B.C., Egypt was surrounded east and west by Roman territory.east and west by Roman territory.

Egypt exported a large amount of grain to Egypt exported a large amount of grain to Rome, which the Romans depended on for Rome, which the Romans depended on for maintenance of their free grain allotments.maintenance of their free grain allotments.

Egypt was also a vital trade connection Egypt was also a vital trade connection between East and West. This along with between East and West. This along with its ancient status made Egypt an its ancient status made Egypt an extremely wealthy nation.extremely wealthy nation.

Cleopatra’s AlexandriaCleopatra’s Alexandria

Lighthouse of PharosLighthouse of Pharos

Cleopatra’s AlexandriaCleopatra’s Alexandria

Founded by Alexander the Great in the Founded by Alexander the Great in the 44thth century B.C. century B.C.

Became a center of culture, learning, Became a center of culture, learning, and trade. The Library at Alexandria is and trade. The Library at Alexandria is considered the greatest treasure trove considered the greatest treasure trove of knowledge in the world – ever.of knowledge in the world – ever.

By Cleopatra’s time, was populated by By Cleopatra’s time, was populated by Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, Romans, and Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, Romans, and many other nationalities. Greeks held many other nationalities. Greeks held the highest status in the city.the highest status in the city.