In World History Encyclopedia, it is stated that Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, was
simply on the wrong side of a power struggle (Wasson, 2016). This power struggle can be
identified as the conflict between Cleopatra and her brother/husband, Ptolemy XIII, for control
of Egypt. Cleopatra sought to assert her claim to the throne and regain power by aligning herself
with Julius Caesar, the Roman general, who supported her cause and helped her defeat Ptolemy
XIII's forces, allowing her to rule Egypt once again (Wasson, 2016).
However, the power struggle did not end with Caesar's support. After Caesar's
assassination in 44 BCE, Cleopatra faced another rival, Ptolemy XIV, her younger brother and
co-ruler (Tyldesley, 2023) . She also became involved with another prominent Roman leader,
Mark Antony, who supported her claim to the throne and formed a political alliance with her
against Octavian, Caesar's heir and Antony's rival. The complex web of alliances and conflicts
further intensified the struggle for power in Egypt (HISTORY, Cleopatra - Life, Rule & Death).
The consequences of the power struggle were profound for Cleopatra and Egypt. After
the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra by Octavian at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, their
resistance came to an end, marking the beginning of Roman domination over Egypt
(History.com Editors, 2009). Octavian, later known as Emperor Augustus, annexed Egypt as a
Roman province, bringing an end to the Ptolemaic dynasty that Cleopatra belonged to and
commencing direct Roman rule over the land (HISTORY, Cleopatra - Life, Rule & Death).
Cleopatra's reputation and legacy were significantly shaped by Roman propaganda and
the historical accounts that followed. Roman historians portrayed her as a cunning and seductive
woman who used her charm to manipulate powerful men like Caesar and Antony (Tyldesley,
2023). Such depictions aimed to undermine her authority and justify Rome's conquest of Egypt.
However, modern interpretations have sought to highlight her intelligence, political acumen, and
her efforts to protect the interests of her kingdom against overwhelming odds (HISTORY,
Cleopatra - Life, Rule & Death; Biography, Beauty, History, Death, & Facts).
If I were in Cleopatra's shoes, I would have explored various strategies to avoid the
Roman conquest of Egypt. Firstly, I would have utilized my diplomatic skills to negotiate with
the Romans and find common ground that would safeguard Egypt's autonomy. Building strong
diplomatic ties with Rome could have helped prevent the outright annexation of Egypt as a
Roman province.
Secondly, I would have leveraged my extensive cultural knowledge and presented
Egypt's rich heritage to the Romans. By showcasing the cultural and intellectual contributions of
Egypt, I could have fostered mutual respect and appreciation, potentially leading to a more
amicable relationship with Rome.
Additionally, I would have used Egypt's vast wealth and resources strategically. Offering
economic incentives or trade agreements to Rome could have enticed them to view Egypt as a
valuable ally rather than a mere conquest.
Furthermore, I would have sought alliances with other regional powers or rivals of Rome
to strengthen Egypt's position. Collaborating with neighboring kingdoms or states that were also
wary of Roman expansion could have created a united front against Roman aggression.
In conclusion, Cleopatra's fate was shaped by a power struggle for control of Egypt, and
her alliances with influential Roman leaders played a pivotal role in her political journey. The
consequences of the struggle led to the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and Egypt's incorporation as
a Roman province (Tyldesley, 2023). Cleopatra's legacy has been subject to historical biases, but
modern interpretations recognize her as a formidable and intelligent ruler. To avoid the Roman
conquest of Egypt, I would have utilized diplomacy, cultural representation, economic leverage,
and strategic alliances to protect Egypt's sovereignty and independence.
References
History.com Editors. (2009, November 9). Cleopatra - Life, Rule & Death. History.
https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-egypt/cleopatra
Tyldesley, J. (2023, June 25). Cleopatra. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cleopatra-queen-of-Egypt
Wasson, D. L. (2016, October 24). Roman Egypt. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from
https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Egypt/
