Cleopatra Facts – 34 Interesting Facts About Cleopatra

Facts About Cleopatra

Cleopatra began her love affair with Roman General Mark Antony in 41 BC.

It was a mutually beneficial relationship with Cleopatra using Mark Antony to stick to the throne of Egypt while Mark Antony wanted the riches of Egypt for his campaigns.

Cleopatra eventually married Mark Antony and bore three children from him.

However their relationship caused a storm in Rome with Antony’s rival Octavious charging Mark Antony of treason and the Roman Senate declared war on Cleopatra in 32 B.C.

Cleopatra herself led several warships but had to retreat with Antony to Egypt after defeat at the hands of Octavian’s navy. The combined army of Mark Antony and Cleopatra was defeated by Augustus in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC.

The month of August has been named to celebrate the victory of Augustus over Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony.

Cleopatra and Antony committed suicide in 30BC. Antony stabbed himself while Cleopatra let a viper bite her arm.

There are a number of stories about how Cleopatra ended her life. One folklore said that she concealed poison in one of her hair combs and used it too end her life.

Cleopatra’s character has been portrayed on the silver screen by celebrated actress like Claudette Colbert and Sophia Loren.

The most expensive film ever made which saw Elizabeth Taylor portray Cleopatra in the 1963 sword-and-sandal epic “Cleopatra.” The film was made with a budget of $44 million which adjusting for inflation remains one of the most expensive movies in history even today.