Queen Cleopatra: Her Rise to Power

About this episode

This episode explores Cleopatra's rise to power and her political maneuvers in ancient Rome.

The Queen who captivated Rome and changed the course of ancient history: Cleopatra. In this episode, Robert Hardman and Professor Kate Williams begin a two-part exploration of Cleopatra, separating the woman from the myth, and tracing her rise in one of history’s most dangerous political worlds. Born into the turbulent Ptolemaic dynasty, Cleopatra inherited a kingdom rich in power but riddled with family betrayal, Roman interference, and brutal succession struggles. Forced into exile by her younger brother, she faced a stark choice: disappear from history or outmanoeuvre the most powerful men in the world. The episode follows her first encounters with Rome, and her pivotal alliance with Julius Caesar. Along the way, it revisits some of the most famous stories ever told about Cleopatra, including the legendary 'carpet' meeting and asks how much of her reputation was shaped by hostile Roman propaganda rather than fact. From palace intrigue and dynastic murder to Caesar’s assassination and the uncertain future of her son Caesarion, this is the opening chapter in the story of a ruler who has been mythologised for two thousand years but whose real political brilliance may be even more…

People in this episode

Hosts: Robert Hardman, Professor Kate Williams

Topics covered

• Cleopatra
• ancient history
• political intrigue
• Roman history
• dynasty
• myth vs fact

Keywords

• Cleopatra
• Julius Caesar
• Ptolemaic dynasty
• political power
• Roman propaganda
• historical myth

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ptolemaic dynasty, Daily Mail

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