ABSTRACT
Ruler of Egypt (48–30 b.c.e.) who engaged in political alliances and romantic affairs with two prominent figures of ancient Rome, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Cleopatra’s relationship with Caesar, who was sole ruler of Rome at the time, strengthened her ties to the Roman Empire. Her later affair with Antony, who shared power in Rome with Caesar’s adopted son, Octavian, led to her downfall and suicide.
