Book Title: The Cleopatras: The Forgotten Queens of Egypt
Author: Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
Publisher: Wildfire
Number of Pages: 384
ISBN: 978-1472295170
Date Published: May 9, 2024
Price: INR 639
Book Review
Reading about the ancient history of Egypt and Cleopatra is immensely important for understanding the foundations of Western civilization, the complexities of political power, and the cultural advancements of one of history’s most fascinating civilizations. Cleopatra’s reign, in particular, provides insights into the interplay between politics, gender, and identity, as well as the interactions between different cultures and empires. Her story, entwined with the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and the rise of the Roman Empire, highlights significant historical shifts and the timeless themes of ambition, power, and legacy. Understanding this rich historical context enriches our appreciation of modern societal structures and the enduring impact of ancient civilizations.
Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones’ “The Cleopatras: The Forgotten Queens of Egypt” provides a comprehensive history of Cleopatra, one of the seven Ptolemaic queens. The author highlights the misinformation surrounding Cleopatra VII, highlighting her as the final member of a dynasty of exceptional female rulers. The Cleopatras, a dynastic power broker in antiquity, were known for their ambition, tenacity, and brutality. Their name, meaning ‘the glory of her father’, was associated with Greek legends.
The book follows Cleopatra I’s rise from a bride to a regent after her husband’s assassination, setting the stage for future Cleopatras. The book also explores the dynastic shenanigans of Cleopatra II and her daughter, Cleopatra III, who ruled for 39 years, establishing her own authority. Two of her daughters participated in the Grand Guignol spectacles, with Cleopatra V Berenice III being killed by Ptolemy XI. Egyptian evidence suggests Cleopatra VI Tryphaina was the mother of Cleopatra VII, and two other daughters died violently.
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In recounting the story of the Cleopatras, Llewellyn-Jones recreates Hellenistic Egypt of the time, with its blend of Egyptian and Greek cultures and Mediterranean-centered political dynamics. This is set against Rome’s ever-increasing interventionism, which would finally lead to the demise of pharaonic Egypt – despite Cleopatras’ manipulations. By telling the stories of each of the seven queens and their Syrian counterparts, the author contextualizes Cleopatra VII’s life and achievements – the last in a long line of extraordinary ruling women who deserve to be recognized as significant players in Hellenistic world politics.
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