Cleopatra Timeline

Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator is born in Alexandria, Egypt. In Greek, Cleopatra means “famous in her father.” Her full name means “Cleopatra the Father-Loving Goddess.” Her family had come from Macedonia but rule Egypt at the time of Cleopatra’s birth.

Upon the death of her father, Ptolemy XII Auletes, 18-year-old Cleopatra becomes ruler of Egypt, along with her brother Ptolemy XIII. Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII may have married, though it is not proven. Cleopatra, about eight years older than her brother, becomes the dominant ruler.

With the help of his followers, Cleopatra’s brother drives her out of power, forcing her to flee to Syria.

After raising an army, Cleopatra returns to face her brother at Pelusium, on Egypt’s eastern border. Meanwhile, a conflict between Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Pompey leads both to Egypt, where Pompey is killed. Cleopatra appeals to Caesar for assistance in defeating her brother.

Ptolemy XIII drowns in the Nile while fleeing Julius Caesar’s Roman troops, and Cleopatra, now married to her brother Ptolemy XIV, regains the throne as co-ruler. Shortly after she gives birth to a son, Ptolemy XV Caesar, or Caesarion (”little Caesar”; whether Julius Caesar was the father of Caesarion, as his name implies, cannot now be known.)

Cleopatra, Ptolemy XIV, and her son pay a state visit to Rome. Julius Caesar is murdered during the period of their visit. Shortly after the family’s return to Alexandria, Ptolemy XIV dies, leaving Cleopatra and her son as rulers of Egypt.

Julius Caesar’s great-nephew and personal heir, Octavian, is but a sickly boy at this time. Mark Antony, controller of Rome’s eastern territories, claims Caesar’s authority. He requests a visit from Cleopatra so that he can question her about her role in the aftermath of Caesar’s assassination. Cleopatra meets Antony in Tarsus, Asia Minor, laden with gifts. Antony is captivated by her and returns with her to Alexandria, where he recognizes her as an independent monarch and lives with her as her lover.

Cleopatra gives birth to twins, Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene. Antony has left for Italy, where he marries Octavian’s sister as part of a settlement for control over Rome.

Giving up on the settlement with Octavian, Antony returns to Cleopatra, seeking her financial support for a military campaign against the Parthian empire. In return, Cleopatra requests the return of much of Egypt’s eastern empire.

Though the Parthian campaign is a failure, Antony returns to Alexandria, where he and Cleopatra preside over a celebration called “the Donations of Alexandria.” They signal their intention to rule the civilized world, drawing Octavian’s concern. He starts a propaganda war against the couple, claiming that Antony has given Roman possessions to a foreign woman and intends to transfer the capital from Rome to Alexandria.

The Roman Senate declares war against Cleopatra. The naval Battle of Actium, fought off the western coast of Greece between Octavian’s forces and the combined forces of Antony and Cleopatra, is a disaster for the Egyptians. Antony and Cleopatra, both present at the battle, evade capture and flee to Egypt.

Having left Cleopatra for battle, Antony receives the false news that Cleopatra has died, leading him to fall on his sword. He is carried to Cleopatra’s retreat and dies there. Cleopatra later also commits suicide, possibly by allowing herself to be bitten by an asp, a symbol of divine royalty. She and Antony are buried together. After Cleopatra’s death Egypt becomes a province of the Roman Empire.