History Extra podcast
Great Reputations: Cleopatra
Sep 13, 2023
Egyptian queen Cleopatra's life, relationships, beauty, and perception throughout history. Challenges of understanding her reign. Evolution of Cleopatra's depictions in art and film, highlighting physical attractiveness. Contrast between Shakespeare's portrayal and acceptance of female pharaohs. Cleopatra's use of religion and motherhood. Importance of focusing on her actions and motivations.
41:30
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Quick takeaways
- Understanding Cleopatra's true story is challenging due to the lack of concrete evidence, leaving a knowledge gap.
- Cleopatra's reputation was shaped by Roman propaganda, portraying her as a seductive and dangerous enemy.
Deep dives
Cleopatra's Life and Reign
The podcast explores the life and reign of Cleopatra, the Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Born in the 1st century BC, Cleopatra rose to power in 51 BC after the death of her father, leading to a period of civil war within her family. Her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony are sources of speculation, as is her alleged death from an Asp bite in 30 BC. Cleopatra's legacy includes cultural depictions in works such as Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra and the 1963 film starring Elizabeth Taylor.
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