Caesar+and+Cleopatra


 * __Caesar and Cleopatra by Camilla Brewer __**

· **The Last Ruler: **

Cleopatra became the last Egyptian pharaoh in 51 BC after the death of her father, Ptolemy XII, who left the kingdom to Cleopatra. By Egyptian law, Cleopatra was required to have a coregent in order to rule, so she married her younger brother Ptolemy XII. Cleopatra used her brother’s youth and inexperience and assumed the responsibility of a sole ruler, which was very untraditional at the time. However, in 49 BC, Cleopatra was faced with strong opposition and lost her throne because of conflicts with certain tribes left over from the her father's rule.

· **Caesar Comes to the Rescue **

In order to reclaim her throne, Cleopatra devised a plan to meet with Caesar, who had the power to help her. In 48 BC, at the age of 21, she had herself wrapped in a carpet and smuggled to Alexandria, where Caesar was after his battle with Pompey. Using her famous charm, Cleopatra seduced Caesar, who was 52 at the time, and soon after became his mistress. In June, 47BC, Cleopatra gave birth to Ptolemy Caesar, who was never formally recognized as a son by Caesar, himself. Caesar also helped to return Cleopatra to her throne. After the birth of her child, Cleopatra traveled to Rome to join Caesar, who erected a statue in honor of her. Already disliked by the Romans, the statue of this foreign woman further infuriated them.

· **life after Caesar **

After Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC, Cleopatra fled back to Egypt. Upon her return, her brother, Ptolemy XIV, suddenly disappeared; although it is rumored that Cleopatra had him poisoned so she could have her son Ptolemy Caesar join her as her coregent. After Caesar, Cleopatra met Marc Antony in a gold barge, dressed as Aphrodite and became romantically involved with him and gave birth to two twins, boy and a girl.

Bibliography:
Grochowski, Jonathan. "Cleopatra." //King's College - Wilkes-Barre, PA - 1-888-KINGS-PA//. King's College, 2005. Web. 01 May 2011. []. "HISTORY OF CLEOPATRA." //HistoryWorld - History and Timelines//. Web. 01 May 2011. []. "Raia Images Index VII." //VROMA :: Home//. Web. 01 May 2011. []. Schiff, Stacy. "Rehabilitating Cleopatra | History & Archaeology | Smithsonian Magazine." //History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places | Smithsonian Magazine//. Web. 01 May 2011. . Thompson, James C. "New Page 2." //Women in the Ancient World//. Web. 01 May 2011. [].