Cleopatra: A Life – Chapter Summaries
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By Stacy Schiff
Chapter I: That Egyptian Woman
She was actually the sixth Cleopatra
Although we know her name and many of her actions, we only see her and her reputation through the eyes of her critics
She was seen to be charming, powerful, wealthy, but at the same time wanton and evil (also painted as a seductress)
Definitely one of the most famous women in history
No one actually knows what she looks like
No one knows who her mother is
Her father, Ptolemy XII Auletes, supplied her with a tutor to educate her
Not Egyptian, shes Greek
Her ancestors were a murderous, inbred dynasty of Greeks
Fluent in nine languages, “silver-tongued and charismatic” (7)
Born a goddess, became a queen at 18, ruled Egypt for 22 years
Chapter II: Dead Men Dont Bite
Cleopatras audacity impressed Caesar
She came to the throne at 18, with her brother (and husband) Ptolemy XIII (8) at the age of 10
Julius Caesar and Pompey were the most powerful men in Rome at the time
Cleopatra was kicked out of the palace and forced to raise her own army in the desert to regain her throne because of her brother-husbands advisors
Ptolemy was following in the footsteps of his ancestors (power-grabbing and murders)
When Cleopatra was in the desert, Ptolemy had Pompey murdered
Ptolemy thought that a murder from the hands of Egypt (Cleo. and himself) would lure Caesar away from Cleopatra
Pompey was supposed to be their guardian (paid by their father to secure the kingdom)
Murder was a political tool in Ptolematic Egypt
Caesar felt that Ptolemy had crossed the line by offering safety and then murdering him in front of his own family
Caesar was also in pursuit of Pompey
Cleopatra approached Caesar on her own behalf, by being smuggled into the palace (in a bag or wrapped in a carpet)
Alexandria was the epitome of sophisticated, diverse, internationally oriented Greek culture
Rome was somewhat afraid of Greeks culture and its rigid precepts
Rome was also jealous of the wealth of Egypt
Chaper III: Cleopatra Captures the Old Man by Magic
It was to Caesars advantage to have a secure, wealthy ally in the east, from where he could conquer his enemies
Caesar appreciated all that Cleopatra had to offer, including a son (and future pharaoh)
Julius was a womanizer and an opportunist so he allowed him self to be seduced by her
At this time Cleopatra was 21 years of age and Caesar was 52
They were the richest couple in the world
Alexandrias wealth and prosperity outshone anything Rome had to offer
Rome was a series of huts while Alexandria was a planned city that demonstrated its culture in every turn
Politics were a blood-sport
Rome was clamoring for Caesars return from after he settled his personal and political affairs in Egypt, but Cleopatra arranged for a trip down the Nile
Cleopatra was pregnant
In June Cleopatra gave Caesar a son, Caesarion; however by the time he was born Caesar had already departed for his own country, he had to return to the business at home
Chapter IV: The Golden Age Was Never the Present Age
Caesar helped Cleopatra establish such a firm control over Alexandria and the rest of Egypt, she was able to take her son and visit Rome
Her presence in Rome was problematic, but also signifying that the riches od Egypt were at Caesars disposal so she was wanted there
Cleopatra always the the good fortune to produce children at the most opportune moments
Caesars daughter, Julia (Pompeys wife) had died years before and his current wife was unable to have kids
Producing a child for Caesar ensured her continued presence on the throne of Egypt
Caesarion was divine and an excellent omen
Cicero disliked Cleopatra (reason unknown), and vilified her at ever turn, he had the power to sway others to his way of thinking
Caesar put Cleo and their son in a “country villa” on the outskirts of Rome
In February 44 BC Caesar became dictator for life. With these honors came wealth, a throne-like chair and coinage in his image. He began plans to invade Parthia (using Roman and Egyptian wealth)
Caesar became out of touch with Rome, this later proves his downfall
On March 15, 44 BC, Julius Caesar was murdered in the Roman Senate by a group of people how completely disagreed with his idea of dictatorship, Cleopatras strongest ally was gone
Ptolemy XIII had been murdered and she was now married to her other brother, Ptolemy XIV – this was doomed from the start
after Caesars assassination, Cleopatra took her son, her entourage and all their treasure and set forth for Rome, leaving a hornets nest of intrigue, war and strange alliances in her wake.
Chapter V: Man in by Nature a Political Creature
Mark Antony was Caesars protege and expected to be his heir. Instead Caesar adopted a great nephew, Gaius Octavius as his direct heir and made him the equal recipient of his wealth and power.
Caesar knew that Rome would never accept his