Question: Who was queen regnant and pharaoh of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC?
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Cleopatra.
The queen regnant and pharaoh of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC was Cleopatra VII Philopator, commonly known simply as Cleopatra. She is one of the most famous figures of ancient history, renowned for her intelligence, political acumen, and romantic liaisons with prominent Roman leaders, which shaped the course of both Egyptian and Roman history.
Born in 69 BC, Cleopatra was a member of the Macedonian Greek dynasty established by Ptolemy I, a general of Alexander the Great. Upon the death of her father, Ptolemy XII, she ascended the throne at age 18, co-ruling initially with her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, as was customary. However, tensions between the siblings led to a power struggle, with Cleopatra ultimately seeking refuge before reclaiming her throne with the assistance of Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator. This alliance solidified her rule and resulted in the birth of her son, Caesarion, whom she claimed as Caesar’s heir.
Following Caesar’s assassination, Cleopatra aligned herself with Mark Antony, a leading Roman general and politician. Their romantic and political partnership became legendary, producing three children and creating a powerful Eastern bloc in opposition to Octavian, Caesar’s adopted heir. However, their defeat at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC marked the end of their ambitions.
Cleopatra’s death in 30 BC, traditionally attributed to suicide via an asp bite, marked the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and Egypt’s independence. The kingdom was annexed by Rome, becoming a province under Octavian, later known as Augustus. Cleopatra’s legacy endures as a symbol of political brilliance and tragic romance.
