Quis Erat Cleopatra? Latin IV Culture/Reading Lesson

Images of Cleopatra

Statue of Cleopatra Venus di Milo

Cleopatra’s Egypt

Egypt was conquered by Alexander the Great in the 4 th century B.C. Egypt was conquered by Alexander the Great in the 4 th century B.C. One of his successor generals, Ptolemy, took Egypt for himself following Alexander’s death. He founds the Ptolemaic Empire. One of his successor generals, Ptolemy, took Egypt for himself following Alexander’s death. He founds the Ptolemaic Empire. From the 4 th century all the way to 30 B.C., all Egypt’s rulers are descendents of Ptolemy. Cleopatra’s father was Ptolemy XII. From the 4 th century all the way to 30 B.C., all Egypt’s rulers are descendents of Ptolemy. Cleopatra’s father was Ptolemy XII.

Cleopatra’s Egypt Early on, Alexander, and later Ptolemy, unified Greek concepts of authority with Egyptian ideas. Early on, Alexander, and later Ptolemy, unified Greek concepts of authority with Egyptian ideas. Alexander claimed his father was Zeus Amon, which joined the Greek sky-father with the Egyptian sun-god. It also established Alexander as a divine being. Alexander claimed his father was Zeus Amon, which joined the Greek sky-father with the Egyptian sun-god. It also established Alexander as a divine being. The Ptolemies continued this tradition; they are often shown in art as Egyptian gods, much like the ancient pharaohs would do. The Ptolemies continued this tradition; they are often shown in art as Egyptian gods, much like the ancient pharaohs would do.

Cleopatra’s Egypt Following Pompey’s conquest of Syria and Judea in 63 B.C., Egypt was surrounded east and west by Roman territory. Following Pompey’s conquest of Syria and Judea in 63 B.C., Egypt was surrounded east and west by Roman territory. Egypt exported a large amount of grain to Rome, which the Romans depended on for maintenance of their free grain allotments. Egypt exported a large amount of grain to Rome, which the Romans depended on for maintenance of their free grain allotments. Egypt was also a vital trade connection between East and West. This along with its ancient status made Egypt an extremely wealthy nation. Egypt was also a vital trade connection between East and West. This along with its ancient status made Egypt an extremely wealthy nation.

Cleopatra’s Alexandria

Lighthouse of Pharos

Cleopatra’s Alexandria Founded by Alexander the Great in the 4 th century B.C. Founded by Alexander the Great in the 4 th century B.C. Became a center of culture, learning, and trade. The Library at Alexandria is considered the greatest treasure trove of knowledge in the world – ever. Became a center of culture, learning, and trade. The Library at Alexandria is considered the greatest treasure trove of knowledge in the world – ever. By Cleopatra’s time, was populated by Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, Romans, and many other nationalities. Greeks held the highest status in the city. By Cleopatra’s time, was populated by Greeks, Egyptians, Jews, Romans, and many other nationalities. Greeks held the highest status in the city.