Eulogy of Cleopatra

Cleopatra Eulogy

To Future Leaders:

To gain victory and score high goals is to first sacrifice. May it be time, money, or dedication, sacrifices are crucial in order to create a better future. A great example from history that we can use as a guideline is Cleopatra VII. A born leader, intelligent, witty, and a ravishing beauty, her dedication and devotion to Egypt were so great that her efforts and self-sacrifices are still remembered and honoured today.

The real story of Cleopatra is not what Hollywood or Shakespeare portrayed her to be, but a lady of strength, charm, wit, and determination. "Cleopatra was a queen. She was, as her handmaiden Charmion reminded the Romans who broke into the mausoleum where she lay dead 'the descendent of so many kings'. The whole of her life was devoted to her country, Egypt, and to attempt to preserve its national sovereignty under the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty to which she belonged," (Page 11, Ernle Bradford, Cleopatra, Hodder and Stoughton Ltd, London 1971). Her passion for her country was so strong that she won the hearts of two powerful Roman leaders and joined forces to deliver the security, protection, and reputation that the people of Egypt so desired.

From the Ptolemy rule in Egypt, Cleopatra VII was born in 69 B.C. being the third daughter of King Ptolemy XII Auletes of Egypt. She was the last of the Great Macedonian Monarchs and her ancestors had left her with the once mighty Egypt, which was now suffering from famine and impoverishment. Cleopatra's father died when she was seventeen years old and by common traditions, she married her 12-year-old brother, Ptolemy XIII and shared a joint rule in 51 B.C. During this time; Cleopatra had started promoting herself to her people by printing her name and picture onto Egyptian currency. When her brother's advisors exiled Cleopatra in fear for her growing powers, she hid herself in rolled carpet to be delivered to Julius Caesar. Through quick thinking, she seduced the powerful senator of Rome at the royal palace and with his help, they defeated the Egyptian army, which was trying to place Cleopatra's sister on the throne. Cleopatra secured her right as Queen of Egypt once again and followed Caesar to Rome to live in a luxurious villa, hoping to receive a generous amount of his will once he dies. To her dismay, Caesar did not mention her in his will when he was assassinated and fled back to Egypt empty-handed except for her son that she had with Caesar.

Not only did Cleopatra risk her life and reputation to form a love with Caesar but she also sacrificed her emotions on behalf of Egypt when she had a child with him. Determined to not give up, Cleopatra unleashed her charms to Mark Antony at a meeting with him, knowing that he was a powerful commander of the Eastern Roman Empire. He fell in love with her and together,