Why did Cleopatra VII identify herself with the goddess Isis?

Cleopatra VII identified herself with the goddess Isis primarily for political reasons. By styling herself as the "new Isis," she sought to solidify her authority and distinguish herself from earlier Ptolemaic rulers, such as Cleopatra III, who had also claimed to be the living embodiment of the goddess.1

This identification served to bridge the gap between her Macedonian-Greek heritage and the native Egyptian traditions she ruled over. In the context of Egyptian royal theology, monarchs often associated themselves with deities to legitimize their power. By adopting the persona of Isis—a central figure in Egyptian mythology known as a queen, mother, and powerful magician—Cleopatra aligned herself with a deity who held deep significance for her subjects. This strategic move allowed her to present herself as a divine ruler, reinforcing her position as the legitimate queen of Egypt.1234