Cleopatra VII Philopator and her Daughter Cleopatra Selene II

Cleopatra VII Philopator and her Daughter Cleopatra Selene II

Cleopatra looks like she is having a Minor TIA.  may need to get back to that.

Cleopatra VII Philopator, the last active pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, was a legendary figure in her own right. Her daughter, Cleopatra Selene II, played an equally significant role in shaping the course of history.

Early Life and Reign

Born around 69 BCE to Ptolemaic King Ptolemy XII Auletes and his sister-wife Cleopatra V Tryphaena, Cleopatra VII was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty. She ascended to the throne in 51 BCE after her father's death.

Cleopatra VII is famous for her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, two powerful Roman leaders who helped her maintain control over Egypt during its tumultuous period. Her reign saw significant cultural and economic growth, as well as military conflicts against rival powers like Rome and the Kingdom of Judea.

The Birth of Cleopatra Selene

Cleopatra VII had three children with Mark Antony: twins Alexander Helios (40 BCE) and Cleopatra Selene II (40 BCE), and a younger son Ptolemy Philadelphus (36 BCE). The birth of these children was seen as a symbol of the alliance between Egypt and Rome.

Cleopatra Selene, named after her mother, was born around 40 BCE. She would go on to play a crucial role in shaping the course of history during this tumultuous period.

The Fall of Alexandria

In 30 BCE, Mark Antony's defeat at the Battle of Actium marked the beginning of the end for Cleopatra VII and Egypt. Octavian (later known as Augustus Caesar) captured Alexandria, and Cleopatra VII took her own life to avoid capture.

Cleopatra Selene II was just a child when her mother died. She became embroiled in a complex web of alliances and rivalries between various Roman leaders, including Octavian's successor, Emperor Augustus.

Exile and Marriage

After the fall of Alexandria, Cleopatra Selene II was taken captive by Octavian's forces. She spent several years in exile, first on the island of Salamis (modern-day Greece) and later at the court of King Juba I of Numidia (modern-day Algeria).

In 11 BCE, she married King Juba II of Mauretania (modern-day Morocco), a Roman client king who had been granted control over this region by Emperor Augustus. This marriage solidified her position as queen consort and helped to secure the borders of her new kingdom.

Legacy

Cleopatra Selene II's life was marked by both triumphs and tragedies. She played an important role in maintaining the Ptolemaic legacy, ensuring that the dynasty continued through her children with Juba I:

1. Drusilla (10 BCE): Queen consort of King Rhoemetalces III of Moesia.
2. Chryseros (5 CE): Prince and military leader who fought against Roman forces.

Cleopatra Selene II's story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of women in ancient times, even in the face of adversity and war.

Timeline

• 69 BCE: Cleopatra VII born
• 51 BCE: Cleopatra VII ascends to throne after her father's death
• 40 BCE: Birth of Alexander Helios (twin) and Cleopatra Selene II
• 30 BCE: Mark Antony defeated at the Battle of Actium; Cleopatra VII takes own life
• 11 BCE: Cleopatra Selene marries King Juba I of Numidia