She learned the Egyptian language and commissioned portraits of herself in the traditional Egyptian style. Unlike her Ptolemaic forebears – who spoke Greek and observed Greek customs – Cleopatra identified as a truly Egyptian pharaoh. She was a popular pharaohĬontemporary Egyptian sources suggest that Cleopatra was loved among her people. She would appear dressed as the goddess Isis at ceremonial events, and surrounded herself with luxury.
Historian John Fletcher described her as “a mistress of disguise and costume.”
She used her image as a political toolĬleopatra believed herself to be a living goddess and was keenly aware of the relationship between image and power. Roman historians portrayed her as a harlot who used sex to bewitch powerful men into giving her power. Her reputation as a dangerous and seductive temptress was in fact the creation of her enemy Octavian. Her actual beauty…was not so remarkable that none could be compared with her. A contemporary silver coin bearing Cleopatra’s faceĬontemporary visual sources show Cleopatra with a large pointed nose, narrow lips and sharp, jutting chin.
