March is Women’s History Month: A Look at Cleopatra

In the game of chess, the most powerful piece on the chessboard is a queen. From 51 B.C. to 30 B.C., the most powerful queen in the world was Cleopatra. Born Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, she was the third-richest queen in history, with a net worth equivalent to $96 billion USD. Her father, Auletes, ruled Egypt for a little over 30 years from Alexandria, Egypt, and he was indebted to Julius Caesar of Rome for 3,000 talents or $3.4 billion USD at the time of his death in 51 B.C. That same year, at the age of 18, Cleopatra and her 10-year-old brother Ptolemy XIII ascended to the throne jointly. Cleopatra was fluent in multiple languages, highly educated from a young age, witty, charming, and she was a brilliant tactician. In 50 B.C. Cleopatra was thrown out of the Royal Palace by her brother’s advisors, and she lived in the Sinai desert for about two years. It was during this period that she gathered support from anyone who would listen to her plot to return as the queen of Egypt.

One night in 48 B.C. Cleopatra had one of her closest confidants smuggle her into the Royal Palace in Alexandria. She surprised a palace guest by the name of Julius Caesar. Cleopatra pleaded her case to Caesar as to why she should rule Egypt, and soon Caesar yielded by appointing her as co-regent. Within a year, she had a son with Caesar named Caesarion, and this further strengthened her diplomatic ties with Rome. Cleopatra issued bronze coins bearing her portrait shortly after her alliance with Caesar. Egypt grew under her rule, she promoted agriculture, architecture, and the arts, which flourished during her reign. She also cared deeply for the people of Alexandria. Cleopatra’s style was unmatched. Her clothing was draped with flowing silks, she loved semi-precious stones, sported opulent gold jewelry, and wore large pearl earrings, which at the time were the ultimate gems of the day.

Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 B.C. while Cleopatra was visiting Rome. She fled with Caesarion shortly thereafter and went back to Egypt. In the fall of 41 B.C., Roman leader Mark Antony summoned Cleopatra to the city of Tarsus, which is in modern-day Turkey. Once she arrived in Turkey, she sailed up the Cyndus River in her ship with a display of her splendor; Cleopatra was dressed as the Roman goddess Venus. Musicians on the ship filled the air with music, colorful smoke was released, fragrant incense burned, and costumed performers populated the deck. Word spread that Cleopatra had arrived and Mark Antony invited her to dinner. In return, Cleopatra summoned him to dinner, and he obliged. Mark Antony was so enamored by her intelligence, style, and display of wealth that he quickly fell in love with her. They had three children during the course of their relationship. Cleopatra supported him with funding for his navy, and army, causing quite a stir in Rome. This alignment with Mark Antony extended her empire and the wealth of Egypt continued to flourish. Cleopatra and Mark Antony issued a silver coin gracing their portraits on each side and declaring themselves as “Rulers of The East.”

The Romans were extremely jealous of Cleopatra’s wealth and power, and soon the Roman Emperor Octavian declared war solely on Cleopatra. She urged the citizens of Upper Egypt not to fight the invading Romans and to save themselves. Cleopatra and Marc Antony fought their legions in multiple battles against the Romans to no avail.

Cleopatra died at the age of 39 in 30 B.C., and she was the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty. She has long since been remembered as one of the richest and most powerful queens in history. Her intelligence, power, strategic thinking, and style helped Egypt flourish all the way until the end of her rule… There’s little reason to doubt that Cleopatra may have also made one terrific chess player!