Cleopatra A Hellenistic Ruler of Egypt free essay sample

She is undoubtedly one of the most famous persons of her time and there is a huge amount of evidence to support how she has shaped the Ancient world. In her lifetime Cleopatra was able to achieve a lot more then what was expected of her as she was a female ruler in a time when men dominated and shaped the Ancient world as ruler of Egypt. Cleopatra had a heavy influence on the Roman Empire and played a crucial part in the power struggle of the Octavian’s. However Cleopatra’s significants extends beyond the grave, she was able to achieve what she had always wanted: to keep her legend alive and form a symbol of female sexuality and power. In her lifetime Cleopatra was able to accomplish many great things as ruler of Egypt . As she was a female ruler she was not well accepted by most as she lived in a period where men where superior to females. We will write a custom essay sample on Cleopatra: A Hellenistic Ruler of Egypt or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page At the time Cleopatra was ruling there was a growing interest in the Egyptian empire as both Roman and Egyptian forces where fighting for its ownership. Cleopatra was able to keep the political structure of the empire together and ensured the Ptolemaic dynasty continued, however her death lead to the downfall of the Egyptian Empire as the Roman rule of Caesar Augustus’s began. Cleopatra was significant to the Ancient world as she was able to use her sexuality, persuasiveness and seductive abilities to influence her reign and impact as Queen of Egypt. This can be seen through her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony two of the most influential figures in the Roman Empire at the time. According to the Historian Cassius Dio, Caesar â€Å"was spellbound the moment he set eyes on her† (Cassius D, 1986 p35). It has been recorded by many historians that Cleopatra was incredibly beautiful. Archaeological evidence found in Thebes of toilet boxes and other various make up products suggest that Cosmetics were basically invented by Egyptians. Cleopatra used these products to enhance her beauty and appearance which would have made her more attractive then most Roman females. It was through her relationships with Caesar and Mark Antony and surpassable beauty that Cleopatra was able to gain power as ruler, effectively increasing her significance to a study of the Ancient World.