The Cleopatra Series: Part 2

Unlike many famous historical figures, we do not know the exact date of Cleopatra VII’s birth. Historians generally place it in either 70 or 69 BC, during a turbulent period in the history of Ptolemaic Egypt.

She was born in Alexandria, the great city founded by Alexander the Great, and entered a royal family that was already struggling with questions of legitimacy, succession, and foreign influence.

A Father with a Controversial Reputation

Cleopatra’s father was Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysius, better known to history as Ptolemy Auletes.

The nickname “Auletes” means “the Flute Player.” Although Ptolemy participated in the sacred rites of Dionysus, his enemies used the title mockingly, implying that he was more suited to entertaining than ruling.

His position was complicated from the beginning. Ptolemy XII was widely believed to be the illegitimate son of Ptolemy IX by an unknown woman. To modern readers, this may seem a minor issue, but in the ancient world legitimacy could determine whether a ruler was viewed as lawful or merely a usurper.

The Romans repeatedly referred to Ptolemy’s illegitimate birth. This was not simply an insult. It was a way of undermining his authority and questioning his right to rule Egypt.

For anyone writing or reading a novel about Cleopatra, this is important. The issue of legitimacy haunted the dynasty and formed part of the political environment in which Cleopatra was raised.

The Road to the Throne

The path that brought Ptolemy XII to power was anything but straightforward.

His family was torn apart by civil wars and dynastic rivalries. During the conflicts between Ptolemy IX, Cleopatra III, and Ptolemy X, members of the royal family were exiled, recalled, and displaced.

As a young man, Ptolemy spent time away from Egypt. At one stage he fell into the hands of Mithridates VI of Pontus, one of Rome’s most formidable enemies.

Following the death of his cousin Ptolemy XI in 80 BC, Ptolemy was recalled and proclaimed Pharaoh of Egypt. His brother was established as ruler of Cyprus.

Thus Cleopatra’s father obtained the throne, but he inherited a kingdom increasingly overshadowed by the growing power of Rome.

Cleopatra’s Mother

The identity of Cleopatra’s mother remains uncertain.

Most historians believe she was Cleopatra V Tryphena, the wife and probable close relative of Ptolemy XII. However, the evidence is incomplete, and there remains debate regarding the parentage of several of the royal children.

This uncertainty has contributed to centuries of speculation about Cleopatra’s ancestry.

Brothers and Sisters

Cleopatra was not an only child. She grew up among a large and complicated royal family.

Her eldest sister was Berenice IV, who may have shared the same mother. After Cleopatra’s birth, references to Cleopatra V become scarce, creating further uncertainty about the family.

The younger generation also included Arsinoe IV and two brothers, Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV. Many historians believe these younger siblings may have had a different mother, although the evidence is far from conclusive.

Further Reading

Readers interested in learning more about Cleopatra VII and the Ptolemaic dynasty may find the following resources useful:Readers interested in learning more about Cleopatra VII and the Ptolemaic dynasty may find the following resources useful.

Historical References

• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Cleopatra VII
• World History Encyclopedia: Cleopatra VII
• History.com: Cleopatra – Life, Rule & Death

Recommended Non-Fiction Books

• Adrian Goldsworthy, Cleopatra: A Life
• Stacy Schiff, Cleopatra: A Life
• Duane W. Roller, Cleopatra: A Biography
• Joyce Tyldesley, Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt

Recommended Historical Fiction

• Michelle Moran, Cleopatra’s Daughter
  Focuses on Cleopatra’s daughter Selene after the fall of Egypt.
• Stephanie Dray, Lily of the Nile
  Another novel centred on Cleopatra Selene and the legacy of her famous mother.
• Margaret George, Mary, Called Magdalene and Helen of Troy
  Not Cleopatra novels, but excellent examples of the author’s immersive historical fiction style.
• Colleen McCullough, The October Horse and Antony and Cleopatra (Masters of Rome series)
  Detailed historical fiction covering Cleopatra’s relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.