The joy of the Ancient world. Cleopatra: a love story

Truly bloodthirsty, you can call some joy of the Ancient world. In the world ruled by many, but Cleopatra is unique in the sense that she was the last of the Egyptian pharaohs and the first female politician. In one of the ancient scrolls was a contemporary wrote of her that her love was death. But were the men not scared of such a sinister condition. Madly in love with Cleopatra, they gave their lives for the night with her, and in the morning, their severed heads were exhibited at the entrance to the Palace…

The mores of the time

The Modern man the joy of the Ancient world can seem like the height of debauchery. At the time, not just cohabitation, but legitimate marriages between fathers and daughters, uncles and nieces, and brothers and sisters were quite widespread, especially among the nobility. Of course, the first motive which induced such action was a property interest. In addition, people saw dealt with such cases in the Royal families, and take example from them.

In Egypt, too, practiced such joy of the Ancient world. Cleopatra and her brother were no exception. In addition, the priests were actively introduced and encouraged in the Royal families of the so-called idea about the purity of blood. Apparently, in ancient times it was already known that reusable incest leads to various mental diseases and other ailments of the August descendants. Thus, the depraved pleasures of the Ancient world the priests could use to achieve their selfish goals, it is clear that a sick or feeble-minded person to manage it much easier.

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The Incest in those days was a common practice, while the moral quality of the people here were innocent. Take, for example, of the Pharaoh Akhenaten, who was, incidentally, the husband of the beautiful Nefertiti. He was progressive and good in all respects man, but during the life of the wife married also to her second daughter. Later in this article we will talk about Egypt and what was the joy of the Ancient world. In the world ruled by many but still Cleopatra was truly an extraordinary woman.

General information

Born the future Queen of Egypt in 69 BC She was the representative of one of the noblest of the Greek clans. Her father was Ptolemy XII, and mother – Cleopatra V. in Addition to her family had other children: three sisters – Arsinoe, Berenice, Cleopatra VI, and two younger brothers, named in honor of his father. When imperious, cruel and hated ruler of Egypt finally died, the throne ascended his children: 12-year-old son Ptolemy and his sister Cleopatra, which at that time was 17 years old. According to the tradition adopted by the pharaohs, they were married.

I Must say that Cleopatra VII was quite an educated woman. She studied mathematics, philosophy, literature, and also could have played some musical instruments. Besides, she knew 8 languages and was the only one from the Ptolemaic dynasty, who expressed himself freely with the Egyptians.

Appearance

Still failed to find the source, which would significantly described the appearance of the Queen. But we can definitely say that all the researchers in one voice say: Cleopatra was a sensual and seductive woman. This is evidenced by the facts of her life.

Now you can call immoral joy of the Ancient world. Cleopatra kept a lot of men, but at the time it was not considered something shameful. It is no secret that the young Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII was considered only nominally the ruler of Egypt. In fact, power was Queen Cleopatra

Power Struggle

But it didn't last long. Dissatisfied with her mentor Board of Ptolemy XIII, along with other senior dignitaries in 48 BC, he rebelled against Cleopatra in the capital of Egypt-Alexandria. Rebellious people threatened to kill the Queen, so she had to flee together with her sister Arsinoe in the neighboring Syrian land. Cleopatra did not consider himself defeated.

Soon she was able to raise an army, the head of which she moved to the Egyptian border. Brother and sister and husband and wife decided to find out in battle, to whom will belong the power in the country. Two hostile armies met face to face, about 30 miles East of Port said, at Pelusium.

Introduction

Meanwhile in the Roman Empire vied for power, Julius Caesar and Pompey. The latter lost the battle of Parsloe and was forced to flee to Alexandria. But the Egyptian nobles decided to curry favor with the Emperor, and executed by Pompey. After a few days Caesar came to Alexandria, where he was waiting for a kind of “surprise” – cut off the head of his enemy. Seeing her, he was horrified and ordered Cleopatra and Ptolemy to stop the war, to disband his troops and report to him immediately for further explanation and reconciliation.

Appearing at Alexandria, the young Pharaoh began to complain of actions of the sisters. But before you make a decision, Caesar wished to listen to the other side of the conflict. The Queen knew that as soon as it will appear in the capital, it will kill the supporters of his brother. So she came up with a very original plan arrived in Alexandria the night on a simple fishing boat. She was told to wrap themselves in colorful cloth(according to other sources-a carpet) and bring in the Emperor's chambers. It was simultaneously a great disguise and original joke. Thus occurred one of the most romantic Dating stories.

Knowing the subtleties of seduction and all that existed at the time love joy of the Ancient world, Cleopatra, love story which still dominates the minds of people, struck a spoiled Emperor not only their ingenuity, but also a fine sense of humor. In addition, her movements and even her voice charmed Caesar. Julius, as well as other men, did not resist the romantic charms of the charming Egyptian women and the same night became her lover.

Full Queen

The Alexandrian war which Caesar had been exclusively for the love of Cleopatra, was completed 8 months later. During the fighting two-thirds of the Egyptian capital had been burned, including the famous library. After that, Alexandria swore allegiance to Caesar, and the power along with the throne returned to Cleopatra.

Wasting No time, she immediately married the next brother – Ptolemy XIV. It is worth noting that this marriage was a sham. In fact, the Queen all this time had been the mistress of Julius Caesar and autocratically ruled state with the support of the Imperial legions.

“the Alexandrian courtesan»

Despite the fact that Rome was in turmoil, and there flowed rivers of blood, Caesar was in no hurry to go back there. The sweet embrace of his mistress he forgot about his duty and responsibilities. In order to keep near him Emperor, Cleopatra every day trying to impress and more to interest him. Up to this time experienced love Caesar no woman could bind the long term.

On the few scrolls that were able to survive, and the works of art of the time, you can imagine what was the joy of the Ancient world. Cleopatra and her lover partying on a luxury boat, the length of which was nearly 100, height-20, width-15 meters. On the deck stood this two-storeyed Palace with pine and cypress columns. Usually the ship was following an escort of 400 vessels. Such a luxury was intended to demonstrate the ruler of the Roman Empire, the greatness of Egypt and the honor he was getting.

A few months Later, Caesar had to say goodbye to Cleopatra and to go back. Love joy the Ancient world in terms of the impact not too different from today: after some time Cleopatra was born a son named Ptolemy-Caesarion. To protect the Queen and her child from possible enemies, Alexandria was constantly 3 Roman legions, who prudently left the Roman.

The Assassination of Julius Caesar

Cleopatra along with her husband and son in 46 BC and went to Rome, where they staged a triumphant meeting. Local residents were struck by unprecedented luxury motorcade alien Queen: procession of chariots, glittering gold, over which was a large number of black Nubian slaves, as well as hand cheetahs, gazelles and antelopes.

For “the Alexandrian courtesan» Caesar was ready to change the law, which forbade the husband to marry more than one wife. By the way, his lawful wife was Calpurnia – a childless woman. He wanted to officially marry the Egyptian Queen and make her son Caesarion, the only heir of the Roman Empire.

I Must say that no one ever paid attention to the number of secret mistresses Caesar and other pleasures of the Ancient world that was not alien to him. But when he tried to recognize Cleopatra his lawful wife, this was perceived as an insult to the people. And here 2 years later after the arrival of Egyptian women in March 44 BC, a group of conspirators of the Republicans killing Caesar. He inflicted 23 stab wounds. So dramatic he ended this love story and the attempt to legalize their relationship with a “Alexandrian seductress”. Some rulers of the States that was paid for the joy of the Ancient world. Cleopatra was shocked because I did not expect such a turn of events.

Flight from Rome

Another blow for the Queen was a document left by the dead Emperor. When it was opened last will and Testament of Julius Caesar, it became clear that the successor he had appointed Octavian, his nephew, and officially recognized son Caesarion is not even mentioned. Cleopatra realized that she and her son are in grave danger, so try as quickly as possible to leave Rome and return to Alexandria.

Later dies under mysterious circumstances her brother and husband Ptolemy XIV. There is speculation that he was poisoned herself Cleopatra to become the sole and rightful sovereign of Egypt, and his heir to have a son Caesarion.

After the death of the Roman Emperor in the state started the confrontation between the assassins and thirst for revenge by Octavian and Antony Leedom. In the end, the triumvirate defeated. Mark Antony became ruler of the Eastern provinces. But Cleopatra, leaving Rome, did not know what had ignited the spark of love in his heart.

New appointment

Mark Antony was a famous Roman politician and military leader, and friend and confidant of Julius Caesar. Theyalways supported each other in the most difficult times. It was not until the death of the Emperor.

After the victory over the murderer of Caesar-Brutus – mark went to Asia and Greece, to collect indemnity. Everywhere he was met with a standing ovation and only Cleopatra did not honor the great General. Angry, Antony ordered her to come to Tarsus.

What was the joy of the Ancient world, can be judged by how Cleopatra came on, it would seem that business meeting. Just imagine: Queen of Egypt sailed on the ship dressed as Venus surrounded by cupids, nymphs and fauns! The huge size of the ship, made of precious wood with a gilded stern, was under the scarlet sails. It gave off an unusual fragrance, and approached the shore, the sounds of beautiful music, when the sun already began to droop. In the rapidly deepening dusk, on the ship suddenly flashed a splendid illumination.

Mark Antony – a brilliant commander, a brave man and a favorite of women, who, it would seem, has known all the joy of the Ancient world – was totally blown away by such a Grand spectacle. So, instead of willfully attack the Queen with angry speeches and threats to turn her country into one of the many provinces of the Roman Empire, he invited Cleopatra to dine with him alone. In response, she invited Anthony to come aboard her ship, literally strewn with rose petals, and arranged in honor of his feast, which lasted 4 days. But with such a luxury in Egypt, generally were organized joy of the Ancient world. Cleopatra (photo by the royalty, of course, we provide you can not, but the pictures – any) did not stop there. She invited a high-ranking Roman to visit her Palace in Alexandria.

Anthony arrived in the capital and immediately went to the residence of the Queen. Waiting for him is so great that he forgot all about state Affairs. Throughout the winter in the Palace «Alexandrian courtesan" of arranged orgies and other questionable amusements. Transformed into a real Bacchante, she never left her lover and indulged all his wishes. Cleopatra tried to make it so that every day Marc Antony beside her, was unique. She was thinking of all the new entertainment that promised both a lot of fun. So she entertained her lover, who was new to such pleasures of the Ancient world. Photo below – from the film "Antony and Cleopatra", in which the role of the Egyptian Queen was played by the gorgeous Elizabeth Taylor.

King of Egypt

Another military campaign began Antony in 37 BC, this time it was aimed at the conquest of the Syrian lands. Roman asked Cleopatra to give him means for the Parthian campaign. The Queen agreed, and in return mark gave her the part North of Judea and Phoenicia, and also legalized their marriage and children. All thoughts of the commander was occupied exclusively by the Egyptian lady. Conquered lands he gave away her children. It became known as ‘New ISIS” and was present at the audience in the costume of the goddess in a slinky dress with a crown in the form of the head of a hawk and horns of a cow.

Wherever he fought Antony, he was accompanied by “the Alexandrian courtesan", arranged for him all kinds of joy of the Ancient world. In the world ruled by many, but Cleopatra as no one knew how to command men. She convinced Anthony to renounce not only his legitimate wife, but also from Rome. In the end, he became known as the king of Egypt, and on his orders began to coin money, which adorned the profile of Cleopatra. In addition, once the shields of the Roman legionaries began to beat her name.

This behavior of Mark Antony could not fail to arouse the deep indignation of the Romans. For this reason in 32 BC, Octavian with his accusatory speech in the Senate. In the result, it was decided to declare war on the Egyptian Queen. The joint army of Cleopatra and Antony were superior to the Roman. The couple knew about it, relying on military power and… lost. The fact that the Queen, who had no military experience, took command of the Maritime fleet. Obviously not realizing the Brand strategy, it is the decisive moment of the battle ordered his ships to retreat. Thus, the Romans won. This naval battle occurred at the beginning of September 31 BC at Aktium near Greece. But Octavian Augustus took another year to get to Alexandria. In despair, Cleopatra and Antony staged a Grand farewell feast, during which there was a never-ending Orgy, which Egypt has never seen before.

Death of Antony and Cleopatra

The Troops of Octavian 30 BC almost approached the walls of Alexandria. Hoping to soften the anger of the new Roman Emperor, the Queen sends a messenger to him with generous gifts. Knowing almost all the joy of the Ancient world, Cleopatra was sure at 38 she looks as cute and irresistible. Royalty decided to retire to my luxurious tomb, which was recently built by her order, and wait.

In the meantime, Mark Anthony was told that his beloved committed suicide. Upon hearing this, he attempted to stab herself with a dagger. The commander was still alive when hisbrought to the tomb. A few hours Antony died in the arms of his mistress.

While the Egyptian Queen waited, the Romans managed to capture Alexandria. Buried Mark, she returned to the Palace. It is worth noting that the new Roman Emperor was known for his amorous adventures, and he was no stranger to the joys of the Ancient world. Cleopatra ruled the men who ruled the world, but this time she failed to negotiate with Octavian-Roman her feminine wiles didn't make any impression.

“the Alexandrian seductress” had already envisioned their future and not about that harbored no illusions: her in chains, forced to walk the streets of the Eternal city behind the chariot of the Victor. But, according to legend, Cleopatra escaped the shame of her faithful servant gave her mistress a basket of food, which hid a small poisonous snake. Before she died she wrote a letter to Octavian asking to be buried with mark Antony. So in 30 BC, the last August day ended with a love story of the Egyptian Queen.

“the Alexandrian courtesan” was buried with great honors, as she wanted. As you know, Cleopatra was the last of the pharaohs. After her death Egypt was annexed to the Roman Empire and received the status of province. According to legend, Augustus ordered the destruction of all the images of the Queen.

I Must say that at that time all the nobles were familiar with a kind of joy of the Ancient world. In the world ruled by many, but Cleopatra is unique. According to some sources, she was not beautiful, as they put it. But thanks to sharp and the living intelligence, education, and bewitching charm managed to Woo two such great generals like Julius Caesar and mark Antony, who were willing to give their lives for her love.