why did cleopatra marry her brother

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Cleopatra VII ruled ancient Egypt as co-regent (first with her father, then with her two younger brothers and finally with her son) for almost three decades. A third child, Ptolemy Philadelphus, is born the following year. Caesarion, of course. Updated: April 26, 2021 | Original: November 9, 2009. Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images, Cleopatra: Early Life and Ascension to Throne, Digging for the Truth: Cleopatra, the Last Pharaoh on HISTORY Vault, https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-egypt/cleopatra.

Live Science explains that her empire encompassed Egypt, Cyprus, a portion of present-day Libya, and various other segments of the Middle East. Cleopatra eventually married Mark Antony and had three children with him, but their relationship also spawned a massive scandal in Rome. Legend has it that she encouraged a snake to bite her. Cleopatra portrayed herself and Caesarion as mother goddess and divine heir in temples throughout Egypt. He is brought to Cleopatras hiding place where he soon dies. Whether Caesar was the father of Caesarion, as his name implies, cannot now be known. Cleopatra buried Antony and then committed suicide. This article was first published on HistoryExtra in April 2015 and has been updated with content published in BBC History Revealed in 2014. Per "All in the Family: Incest and the Ptolemaic Dynasty," this proved the point that the Ptolemies ruled by divine right and were anything but average.

And since the identity of her own grandmother is unknown, it is foolish to think that were sure of her racial identity. Antony came home to Alexandria and declared Cleopatra and himself heirs to the Persian and Hellenistic monarchies. Webwhy did cleopatra marry her brother. The truth is Cleopatra had far more interesting attributes, like her political wiliness, that make for far better stories. One of Antony and Cleopatras favorite activities supposedly involved wandering the streets of Alexandria in disguise and playing pranks on its residents. Antony had already left Alexandria to return to Italy, where he was forced to conclude a temporary settlement with Octavian. Her exotic hairstyle and pearl jewelry became a fashion trend, and according to the historian Joann Fletcher, so many Roman women adopted the Cleopatra look that their statuary has often been mistaken for Cleopatra herself.. She came back better than ever. Caesarion bore two other names, as attested by contemporary inscriptions: called a god, he was dubbed Philometor and Philopator, meaning mother-loving or father-loving. Both were both traditional nicknames for a Ptolemaic king or queen. Marriage within the family was common among the royal family in ancient Egypt. Then, discover the real reason why so many ancient Egyptian statues have broken noses. Antony and Cleopatra spent the winter of 3231 bce in Greece. encounter with Mark Antony. It wasn't long after that Ptolemy XIII's advisors decided they didn't want his sister-wife to share power in Egypt, and they chased her out of the country and into Syria. Evidence shows that the first decree in which Ptolemys name precedes Cleopatras was in October of 50 bce. While Cleopatra was born in Egypt, she traced her family origins to Macedonian Greece and Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Greats generals. She married Mark Antony in 32 BC.

Posted on April 6, 2023 by . According to Britannica, Cleopatra likely married Ptolemy XIII soon after the 51 BCE death of her father, Ptolemy XII. Cause of death: Took her own life, possibly with poison. The 18-year-old Cleopatra, older than her brother by about eight years, became the dominant ruler. Cleopatra was in Rome when Caesar was murdered in 44 bce. It was clear to Octavian, watching from Rome, that Antony intended his extended family to rule the civilized world. She became the sole ruler when her brother was drowned during the Alexandrian War (47 B.C.). He spent the winter of 41-40 B.C. Still, unreliable flooding of the Nile resulted in failing crops, leading to inflation and hunger. Cleopatra, (Greek: Famous in Her Father) in full Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (Cleopatra the Father-Loving Goddess), (born 70/69 bcedied August 30 bce, Alexandria), Egyptian queen, famous in history and drama as the lover of Julius Caesar and later as the wife of Mark Antony. It's believed she had Ptolemy XIV killed along with their younger sister, Arsinoe, who killed Ptolemy XIII, according to LiveScience. WATCH: Digging for the Truth: Cleopatra, the Last Pharaoh on HISTORY Vault.

He immediately butted heads with Caesars lieutenant and frenemy Marc Antony; allies and then enemies, they only ended their conflict after a civil war years later. Upon Ptolemy XIIIs death after being defeated by her Roman-Egyptian armies, Cleopatra married his younger brother Ptolemy XIV. They were taken to Rome and treated well in the household of Mark Antonys widow, Octavia, where they were educated. Sometime in 46-45 B.C., Cleopatra traveled with Ptolemy XIV and Caesarion to Rome to visit Caesar, who had returned earlier. Antonys rival Octavian used propaganda to portray him as a traitor under the sway of a scheming seductress, and in 32 B.C., the Roman Senate declared war on Cleopatra. Cleopatra III had also claimed to be associated with Isis, and Cleopatra VII was referred to as the New Isis.) She spoke as many as a dozen languages and was renowned for her irresistible charm, according to Plutarch. Wikimedia CommonsCleopatra and Caesarion make offerings to the gods in traditional Egyptian royal garb. He was shocked to learn Cleopatra had returned home and convinced Caesar to support her claim to the throne.

Upon Ptolemy XIIIs death after being defeated by her Roman-Egyptian armies, Cleopatra married his younger brother Ptolemy XIV. Contrary to modern portrayals from Elizabeth Taylor and Vivien Leigh, there is no evidence among ancient historians that Cleopatra was a great beauty. All Rights Reserved. It is likely, but not proven, that the two married soon after their fathers death. Besides marrying two of her brothers throughout the course of her life, Cleopatra herself was the product of a familial marriage, according to History. The Truth About Cleopatra's Many Husbands. Cleopatra VII ruled ancient Egypt as co-regent (first with her father, then with her two younger brothers and finally with her son) for almost three decades. Warrior Women: Who Were the Gladiatrices of Ancient Rome? Elite Romans were meant to share power, but Caesar seemed to want to be supreme, like a monarch. david_jones/FlickrOctavian had Caesarion killed so hed have no competition for Romes throne. And less than three years after Caesarions birth, Caesar was dead, murdered by friends and foes alike. According to Britannica, Cleopatra likely married Ptolemy XIII soon after the 51 BCE death of her father, Ptolemy XII. After four months of war between Caesars outnumbered forces and those of Ptolemy XIII, Roman reinforcements arrived; Ptolemy was forced to flee Alexandria, and was believed to have drowned in the Nile River. Meanwhile, a conflict between Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Pompey leads both to Egypt, where Pompey is killed. So from birth, little Caesarion carried two heavy weights on his shoulders: he was allegedly the only biological son of the most powerful man in Rome, as well as the heir to a 300-year-old kingdom and 3,000-year-old civilization that served as the breadbasket of the Mediterranean. In 31 B.C., Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatras forces at the Battle of Actium in northern Greece. in Alexandria, during which he and Cleopatra famously formed a drinking society called The Inimitable Livers. In 40 B.C., after Antonys return to Rome, Cleopatra gave birth to twins, Alexander Helios (sun) and Cleopatra Selene (moon). On June 23, 47 B.C., the queen of Egypt gave birth to a son. In 51 B.C., upon the apparently natural death of Auletes, the Egyptian throne passed to 18-year-old Cleopatra and her 10-year-old brother, Ptolemy XIII. Cleopatra fled to Syria to marshal her own forces. In true pharaonic tradition, which aimed to keep the royal bloodline as pure as possible, Cleopatra married her younger brother and co-ruler, but it soon became clear that she had no intention of sharing power with him. Cleopatras favorite activities supposedly involved wandering the streets of Alexandria in disguise and playing on. 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Egypt grew more prosperous under Cleopatras rule, and in 37 B.C. Caesar sought money for repayment of the debts incurred by Cleopatras father, Auletes, as he struggled to retain his throne. she gave birth to a son, Ptolemy Caesar. Cassius Dio, who lived in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., sneered, Cleopatraon account of the aid she had sent to [Caesars ally] Dolabella, was granted the right to have her son called king of Egypt; this son, whom she named Ptolemy, she pretended was her son by Caesar, and she was therefore wont to call him Caesarion.. Cleopatra had her brother killed and appointed her 4-year-old son In Rome this caused a scandal. From there, the couple would marry, according to History, giving Octavian reason to claim Antony was being led on a metaphorical leash by the queen. Cleopatra returned to Egypt, followed shortly thereafter by Antony, who left behind his third wife, Fulvia, and their children in Rome. Whether Ptolemy XIV realized it or not, his older sister had gained control both of the imagery and the government.. Cleopatra appeals to

Soon after her return to Alexandria, in 44 bce, Cleopatras coruler, Ptolemy XIV, died. According to Britannica, Cleopatra likely married Ptolemy XIII soon after the 51 BCE death of her father, Ptolemy XII. WebNo views 5 minutes ago #cleopatra #marriage #brother Learn about why the Egyptian Pharaoh Queen Cleopatra married both of her brothers! Returned to her throne with Caesars help, Cleopatra nominally married her remaining brother, Ptolemy XIV, while continuing an affair with the Roman ruler. He also dubbed Caesarion Caesars true heir in direct defiance of Octavians claims and nominally distributed kingdoms to his three kids with Cleopatra. The rumour quickly spread that Antony also intended to transfer the capital from Rome to Alexandria. Under her rule, Egypt was the richest nation in the Mediterranean and the last to remain independent from the rapidly expanding Roman Empire. WebOriginally Answered: Did Cleopatra married her brothers as stated in Wikipedia? They truly go hand-in-hand. Cleopatra was charismatic and intelligent, and she used both qualities to further Egypt's political aims.

Cleopatra didnt die for love. Julius Caesar died. Sculptures dont give us much of a clue to her looks either: there are two or three heads in the classical style, but also a number of full-length statues in Egyptian style, and her appearance in these is quite different. Her actual beautywas not so remarkable that none could be compared with her. She then ruled Egypt with her son Caesarion by her side. Cleopatra married Ptolemy XIII when he was 10, and she was 18, per History. Legend has it that she died by enticing an aspmost likely a viper or Egyptian cobrato bite her arm, but the ancient chronicler Plutarch admits that what really took place is known to no one. He says Cleopatra was also known to conceal a deadly poison in one of her hair combs, and the historian Strabo notes that she may have applied a fatal ointment. With this in mind, many scholars now suspect she used a pin dipped in some form of potent toxinsnake venom or otherwise.

Posted on April 6, 2023 by .

Meanwhile, after allowing the Roman general Pompey to be murdered, Ptolemy XIII welcomed the arrival of Pompeys rival, Julius Caesar, to Alexandria. More than a dozen of Cleopatras ancestors tied the knot with cousins or siblings, and its likely that her own parents were brother and sister. The line had been founded by Alexanders general Ptolemy, who became King Ptolemy I Soter of Egypt. In a last excess of devotion, he had himself carried to Cleopatras retreat and there died, after bidding her to make her peace with Octavian. WebCleopatra, who had been exiled by her brother, was reinstalled as queen with Roman military support. Lost Literature: Why Most English Texts Didnt Survive the Middle Ages, The Legacy of Hal 9000: How Science Fiction Depictions of AI Have Changed Over Time, All Quiet on the Western Front: Key Differences Between the Novel and the 2022 Film, 5 Famous Jazz Composers of the 20th Century, Rediscovering Richard III with Matt Lewis, Rome and the Amalfi Coast with Tristan Hughes, Cleopatras Daughter, Cleopatra Selene: Egyptian Princess, Roman Prisoner, African Queen. As part of this settlement, he married Octavians sister, Octavia (Fulvia having died). The battle soon devolved into a rout, and Cleopatra and Antony were forced to break through the Roman line and flee to Egypt. The civil war lasted until Julius Caesar came on the scene. She became the sole ruler when her brother was drowned during the Alexandrian War (47 B.C.). In 44 B.C. According to Saint Louis University, many believed that Cleopatra poisoned her younger brother to take the throne. It is believed that this kept their bloodline pure. Cleopatra was born into royalty, inherited a throne, and lived a life that has left statues and stories thousands of years old, but that sort of historical fame doesn't come easily. According to the story recorded by Plutarch (and later dramatized famously by William Shakespeare), Cleopatra sailed to Tarsus in an elaborate ship, dressed in the robes of Isis. Cleopatra VII ruled ancient Egypt as co-regent (first with her father, then with her two younger brothers and finally with her son) for almost three decades. Cleopatra, now married to her brother Ptolemy XIV, was restored to her throne. This was followed by a celebration known as the Donations of Alexandria. Crowds flocked to the Gymnasium to see Cleopatra and Antony seated on golden thrones on a silver platform with their children sitting on slightly lower thrones beside them. Ager argues that perhaps the Ptolemies practiced incest to honor Egyptian royal traditions. For Cleopatra, life as a royal daughter was one of luxury. Egyptologist Zahi Hawass explained (via Reuters), "A king could marry his sister and his daughter because he is a god, like Iris and Osiris, and this was a habit only among kings and queens.". She was 22; he was 12. Julius Caesar was himself assassinated while Cleopatra was in Rome. The 18-year-old Cleopatra, older than her brother by about eight years, became the dominant ruler. This tradition even continued when Ptolemaic dynasty ruled Egypt. So its not at all unlikely that long before Cleopatra was born, her Greek heritage had become mixed with other strains. Antony, now controller of Romes eastern territories, sent for Cleopatra so that she might explain her role in the aftermath of Caesars assassination. Caesar ended up in the Ptolemaic empire while chasing down Pompey, and according to History Daily, Ptolemy XIII offered him the head of his enemy to bribe him into standing by his side while the young ruler got his sister out of the picture for good.

Caesar was dazzled by the sight of the young queen in her royal garb, and the two soon became allies and lovers. As a result, a different article from Smithsonian Magazine notes that the Ptolemies primarily spoke Greek and practiced Greek customs. After sneaking into family friend Julius Caesars chambers wrapped in a rug (or, according to other translations of Plutarch, a sack of clothes), she charmed him, enlisted his help, and defeated her brother in battle. In 40 bce Cleopatra gave birth to twins, whom she named Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene. Antony needed Cleopatras financial support for his postponed Parthian campaign; in return, Cleopatra requested the return of much of Egypts eastern empire, including large portions of Syria and Lebanon and even the rich balsam groves of Jericho. Contemporary Egyptian sources suggest that Cleopatra was loved among her people. Octavian spread the rumor that Antony intended to divide the eastern portion of Rome and disperse it amongst his kids with Cleopatra and Caesarion, whom Antony dubbed Caesars legitimate heir. Marriage within the family was common among the royal family in ancient Egypt. Egypts population included people of many different ethnicities, and naturally that included Africans, since Egypt was a part of Africa. The means of her death is uncertain, though Classical writers came to believe that she had killed herself by means of an asp, symbol of divine royalty. Both sides asked for Egyptian support, and after some stalling Cleopatra sent four Roman legions stationed in Egypt by Caesar to support the triumvirate.


Coins with her portrait show her with manly features and a large, hooked nose, though some historians contend that she intentionally portrayed herself as masculine as a display of strength. As Ancient World magazine explains, the appearance of this ruler of Egypt has been written about by historians, philosophers, and scholars throughout the ages. WebAfter raising an army, Cleopatra returns to face her brother at Pelusium, on Egypts eastern border. Cleopatra then remarried after the death of her brother during battle. LiveScience - Cleopatra: Facts and Biography, Cleopatra - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Cleopatra - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Mary, Queen of Scots Not Just the Tudors Lates, Queen Victorias Favourite: Disraeli and Hughenden, The Defeat of Rome: Crassus and the Battle of Carrhae, 7 Iconic Figures of the American Frontier. Much of what is known about her life comes from the work of Greco-Roman scholars, particularly Plutarch. Cleopatra believed herself to be a living goddess, and she often used clever stagecraft to woo potential allies and reinforce her divine status. To call Cleopatra impressive would be a serious understatement. Cleopatra then remarried after the death of her brother during battle. When she was 15, she married King Juba II of Numidia. Knowing Ptolemys forces would thwart her attempts to meet with the Roman general, Cleopatra had herself wrapped in a carpetsome sources say it was a linen sackand smuggled into his personal quarters. Cleopatras ships deserted the battle and fled to Egypt, and Antony soon managed to break away and follow her with a few ships. It was the most expensive movie ever made at the time of its release, and nearly bankrupted its studio despite raking in a fortune at the box office. An enigmatic heroine to whom William Shakespeare devoted one of his greatest tragedies. Cleopatra emerges from a carpet in Julius Caesars chambers. Their marriage devolved into the worst kind of sibling rivalry. It is believed that this kept their bloodline pure. Her first sibling-husband, Ptolemy XIII, ran her out of Egypt after she tried to take sole possession of the throne, and the pair later faced off in a civil war.

Cleopatras relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony were as much military alliances as romantic liaisons. WebPtolemy XIII is Cleopatra's ten-year old brother. WebNo views 5 minutes ago #cleopatra #marriage #brother Learn about why the Egyptian Pharaoh Queen Cleopatra married both of her brothers! Cleopatra actively influenced Roman politics at a crucial period, and she came to represent, as did no other woman of antiquity, the prototype of the romantic femme fatale. Outside Europe, in Africa and in Islamic tradition, she was remembered very differently. Augustus had to make do with an image of her that was carried through the streets instead. According to Live Science, Cleopatra's family, the Ptolemies, ruled Egypt for three centuries. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Interestingly, it's unknown if thePtolemies' inbreeding led to any genetic issues. Yet, as Joann Fletcher reveals, such simplistic portrayals obscure her true legacy as a strong, politically astute monarch Cleopatra is often portrayed by Hollywood as a glamorous femme fatale. This tradition even continued when Ptolemaic dynasty ruled Egypt. He agreed to protect Egypt and Cleopatras crown, pledging support for the removal of her younger sister and rival Arsinoe, then in exile. The Reason Cleopatra Married Her Brothers, All in the Family: Incest and the Ptolemaic Dynasty. She took Roman general Julius Caesar as her lover, giving birth to their son, Caesarion, in 47 B.C.

Octavian took nominal control over Cleopatras children and heirs. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Medieval Arab texts praise Cleopatra for her accomplishments as a mathematician, chemist and philosopher. Coin portraits of Cleopatra show a countenance alive rather than beautiful, with a sensitive mouth, firm chin, liquid eyes, broad forehead, and prominent nose. Cleopatra was of Macedonian descent and had little, if any, Egyptian blood, although the Classical author Plutarch wrote that she alone of her house took the trouble to learn Egyptian and, for political reasons, styled herself as the new Isis, a title that distinguished her from the earlier Ptolemaic queen Cleopatra III, who had also claimed to be the living embodiment of the goddess Isis. She was also ruthless, reportedly killing several family members in order to solidify her power. Aided by Julius Caesar, her lover, she returned to power upon her brothers death in 47. Britannica reports that Ptolemy XIII decided to leave Alexandria but drowned in the Nile. Who Was the First European to Discover North America? It is likely, but not proven, that the two married soon after their fathers death. In keeping with this custom, Cleopatra eventually married both of her adolescent brothers, each of whom served as her ceremonial spouse and co-regent at different times during her reign. Octavian had Caesarion killed so hed have no competition for Romes throne. Soon after, Cleopatra was forced to flee Egypt for Syria, where she raised an army and in 48 bce returned to face her brother at Pelusium, on Egypts eastern border. In 48 B.C. She was accommodated in Caesars private villa beyond the Tiber River and may have been present to witness the dedication of a golden statue of herself in the temple of Venus Genetrix, the ancestress of the Julian family to which Caesar belonged. But Cleopatra was more than just a pretty face. Following Antonys surrender and suicide after being defeated by Octavian, Cleopatra was captured by his army. Caesar was to arbitrate a peace conference between the warring siblings. Cleopatra was forced to flee Rome after Caesar was stabbed to death in the Roman senate in 44 B.C., but by then she had made her mark on the city.

Mary Hamer is the author of Signs of Cleopatra: Reading an Icon Historically (Liverpool University Press, 2008). After 18-year-old Cleopatra married her 10-year-old brother and co-ruler, Ptolemy XIII, in 51 B.C., civil war broke out between the pair. Besides marrying two of her brothers throughout the course of her life, Cleopatra herself was the product of a familial marriage, according to History.

Her reign looks more like a sine wave with all the rise and drops, and it was the marital ladder Cleopatra climbed from Ptolemy XIII to Ptolemy XIV and the other famous lovers speckled throughout her life that helped bring her to the peak of her power. We will send you the latest TV programmes, podcast episodes and articles, as well as exclusive offers from our shop and carefully selected partners. Ptolemy's advisers conspired against Cleopatra, forcing her to leave Egypt (via Live Science). (This was consistent with the ancient Egyptian tradition of associating royalty with divinity in order to reinforce the position of kings and queens. When summoned to meet the Roman Triumvir in Tarsus, she is said to have arrived on a golden barge adorned with purple sails and rowed by oars made of silver. She was married to her youngest brother until his death, after which she became the sole ruler of Egypt.

Cleopatra then had to marry another brother for the sake of formality, Ptolemy XIV.

After returning to Egypt after her parents' death, Cleopatra Selene lived with her siblings at Octaivas house. However, the historical record seems to show that out of Cleopatra's four children, not a single one was sired by her brothers. (At one point, Antony had also married Octavian's sister.) Marriage within the family was common among the royal family in ancient Egypt.

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Cleopatra and Ptolemy marry. Conflict ensued. In true pharaonic tradition, which aimed to keep the royal bloodline as pure as possible, Cleopatra married her younger brother and co-ruler, but it soon became clear that she had no intention of sharing power with him. Following the war, Cleopatra remarried to her younger brother Ptolemy XIV, but she is believed to have had him murdered in a bid to make her son her co-ruler. Known for: Being the last pharaoh of Egypt, being a fabled beauty, her love affairs with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and alongside Mark Antony waging a war on Rome, which she ultimately lost. In true pharaonic tradition, which aimed to keep the royal bloodline as pure as possible, Cleopatra married her younger brother and co-ruler, but it soon became clear that she had no intention of sharing power with him. They were buried together, as both of them had wished, and with them was buried the Roman Republic. Caesarion attempted to flee to safety, perhaps to India by way of Ethiopia, but Octavian refused to let the last rival to Caesars throne survive. Cleopatra then had to marry another brother for the sake of formality, Ptolemy XIV. After her death, the Roman emperor Augustus lured Caesarion back with promises of power, only to have him killed. Tragically, Cleopatra would be the last of the Ptolemaic rulers but was definitely not the first to marry a family member.

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