ConflictNorth Africa
Cleopatra and the fall of Egypt
Three thousand years of pharaohs end as a Roman province
See it on the timeline →In depth
She was Greek by descent, a Ptolemy, but the first of her dynasty to learn Egyptian, and reportedly spoke nine languages. Her reputation was shaped by Octavian's propaganda: the seductive eastern woman threatening Roman virtue. Egypt then became the emperor's personal property and Rome's granary — senators needed special permission even to set foot there.
For children
Cleopatra was the last to rule Egypt as an independent realm. She tried to save the country through alliances with Rome, first with Caesar and then with Mark Antony. When they lost, she took her own life, and Egypt became Roman.
Connects to
Part of Terra Saga — the story of Earth on a timeline. terrasaga.org