Statue fragment of cleopatra vii biography
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In 47 BCE, she gave birth to their son, Ptolemy XV Caesarion, often referred to as Caesarion.
Relationship with Mark Antony
- Cleopatra formed a partnership with Mark Antony, both romantically and politically.
It was brought to the ROM by Charles Trick Currelly, the museum's founder, who acquired it in the early 20th century. The intricate system of tunnels extending from Lake Mariout to the Mediterranean underscores the city’s historical importance. Her reign lasted from 51 BCE to her death in 30 BCE.
- Strategic Alliances: Cleopatra was a skilled diplomat and forged alliances with powerful Roman leaders, including Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
Martinez believes this piece depicts Cleopatra VII, Egypt’s last Ptolemaic ruler, known for her political acumen and relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
Not all experts agree with Martinez’s conclusion. Visitors can find this piece on Level 3 in the Galleries of Africa: Egypt, amidst nearly 2,000 other Egyptian treasures.
The journey to identifying this bust has been quite an intricate saga.
Antony met with Cleopatra to discuss his rule over her, but they fell into love and combined forces, him assuring the Ptolemaic queen had control of Egypt.
Finally Octavian defeated both Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 30 BC. Due to this defeat, Mark Antony committed suicide.
For the fear of being captured by Octavian and wanting to avoid the humiliation, it is legend that Cleopatra committed a royal suicide of sorts, by having a cobra bite her.
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Statue fragment of Cleopatra VII
The Bust of Cleopatra VII is a captivating granite sculpture displayed at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). These alliances helped secure her position and Egypt’s independence for a time.
Relationship with Julius Caesar
- Cleopatra had a romantic and political alliance with Julius Caesar.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities emphasized the significance of these finds in enhancing our understanding of ancient Egyptian history.
She presented herself as a reincarnation of the goddess Isis, aligning herself with Egyptian religious traditions.
Conflict with Rome
- Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s ambitions led to a military confrontation with Octavian.
Today, the rarity and scholarly significance of this statue make it incredibly valuable. Get The Brighter Side of News' newsletter.
Bust of Cleopatra VII
This marble portrait of Cleopatra VII was discovered at Via Appia, between Ariccia and Genzano and was likely on display in a private villa south of Rome.
The bust dates from approximately 40-30 B.C., and was made during the queen’s lifetime.
These findings include artifacts that hint at the grandeur and complexity of ancient Egyptian society, while fueling debate among scholars about their significance.
Under the leadership of Kathleen Martinez, a lawyer-turned-archaeologist, and in collaboration with the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña, researchers uncovered a variety of items beneath the temple’s southern wall.
Martinez’s team hopes the site might eventually reveal Cleopatra VII’s final resting place, a mystery that has captivated archaeologists for decades.
Cleopatra VII’s legacy remains as fascinating as it is enigmatic. This remarkable artifact is believed to have been unearthed in Alexandria, Egypt, at Cleopatra's submerged palace on the island of Antirhodos.
Her death in 30 BCE marked the end of Egypt’s Ptolemaic dynasty and the beginning of Roman rule.
The excavation yielded 337 coins, many depicting Cleopatra VII, alongside ceremonial pottery, oil lamps, bronze statues, and an inscribed scarab amulet proclaiming, “The justice of Ra has arisen.” These items, along with shards of ceramic, confirm that the temple’s construction dates to the 1st century BCE, during Cleopatra’s reign.
Other remarkable finds include remains of a Greek temple dating to the 4th century BCE.
This structure was likely destroyed between the 2nd century BCE and the early Roman period. Researchers also found a limestone bust of a king wearing the Nemes headdress, commonly associated with pharaohs. As the mission continues, researchers remain hopeful that further excavations will shed light on the mysteries of Cleopatra’s life and reign.
Born in 69 BCE, she ruled Egypt during a turbulent period, forging alliances and navigating political conflicts with the Roman Empire. The country became a Roman province under Octavian.
Representation in History
- Accounts of Cleopatra’s life come primarily from Roman historians like Plutarch, Suetonius, and Cassius Dio.
These accounts often reflect Roman propaganda, portraying her as a dangerous seductress.
- Modern interpretations have shifted to emphasize her political acumen, cultural integration, and role as a female leader in a male-dominated world.
Legacy in Popular Culture
Cleopatra has inspired countless works of art, literature, and film, cementing her status as a figure of fascination and intrigue.
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Like these kind of feel good stories? In the 2000s, Sally-Ann Ashton conducted a thorough examination of the bust's features, including the back pillar and crown, and connected it to Cleopatra VII, dating it to between 51 and 47 BC.
This bust holds significant cultural value in both ancient and modern contexts.