Upon her father’s death, Cleopatra and her brother inherited the throne of Egypt.  A few years later, her brother forced Cleopatra into exile.  She gathered an army in Syria, but was unable to reassume her position until Julius Caesar arrived in Alexandria, fought for her, and defeated her brother Ptolemy XII.  Caesar then proclaimed Cleopatra Queen of Egypt, which she remained until 30 BC. 

 Descended from the Greek Ptolemy dynastic line of Alexander the Great’s era, Cleopatra VII was the first ruler in that line to learn the language of the Egyptians, was apparently fluent in nine languages.  Much is known about her, including the story of her decision to have herself delivered to Julius Caesar wrapped in a rug. A great deal about her remains a mystery; but it is clear that Cleopatra was an extraordinary young woman, taking part in the world’s great chess game when few women had achieved such wealth and power.  

This Timeless Woman is remembered because she lived her life with intellect, energy, ingenuity and style.