The Rest Is History 195. Young Cleopatra (Part 1)
49 snips
Jun 13, 2022 The podcast uncovers the early life of Cleopatra, revealing the political chaos in Ptolemaic Egypt. It highlights her complex character and the significant legacy she left as both a seductive figure and a formidable ruler. Delving into her ethnicity, the discussion addresses contemporary debates about her identity. Listeners gain insight into the brutal dynamics of her dynasty and her strategic rise to power amidst turmoil. The talk also draws parallels between Cleopatra and modern figures, exploring themes of empowerment and societal narratives.
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Cleopatra's Tomb Visit
- Dominic Sandbrook starts his children's book by imagining Cleopatra in Alexander the Great's tomb.
- This is plausible, as the Ptolemies held festivals there.
Ptolemaic Marriages
- The Ptolemies, despite ruling Egypt, maintained their Greek identity by primarily marrying within their family.
- This practice began with Ptolemy II, who married his sister Arsinoe.
Ptolemy VIII's Family
- Ptolemy VIII married his sister, then his niece (who was also his wife's daughter).
- When his wife/sister protested, he killed their son and gave her the body as a birthday present.
