The last Pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra VII, is one of the most fascinating figures of the ancient world. Her death is still a mystery, with numerous theories and legends trying to uncover her unexplained disappearance.
Famous for her wit, beauty and political savvy, Cleopatra VII ruled Egypt for over two decades, and her story has intrigued scholars for centuries.
But despite her achievements and everlasting legacy, there are secrets that even historians can’t uncover: the circumstances surrounding her untimely death and the unexplained disappearance of Cleopatra.
1. Cleopatra’s Life and Reign
Member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which had been ruling since the death of Alexander the Great, Cleopatra VII was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 69 BC. Ptolemy XII, Cleopatra’s father, had a tumultuous reign centered by corruption, political instability and a stagnant economy.
Roman historians suggest that Cleopatra VII died of an asp brought to her in a bouquet (others claim it to be in the basket of figs). This theory is quite ironic as the asp, also known as Egyptian Cobra, was often attributed to the crown of Pharaohs, suggesting that Cleopatra used the symbol of her power to kill herself.
Theory 2: Cleopatra Was Killed by Her Brother
Cleopatra’s unexplained disappearance and demise can be explained through a theory that her brother, Ptolemy XIII, ordered assassins to wipe out her entire kinship. Another idea could be that he was killed in the power struggle with Cleopatra as he tried to take over the throne.
Another legend popularized by some scholars is that Mark Antony killed Cleopatra to win the throne after their divorce. However, this theory has been rejected as there is no proof to support it.
Theory 3: Cleopatra Committed Suicide
Cleopatra committing suicide is one of the most widely interpreted theories by historians because her body was found with water in her lungs. Hence, some scholars try to theorize it by suggesting that she might have drowned herself in the river Nile. On the contrary, Cleopatra is known to be an excellent swimmer; hence, she might have committed suicide to avoid being captured by Octavian.
Theory 4: Cleopatra Died Of A Natural Cause or Illness
This theory detects the fact that the unexplained disappearance of Cleopatra might have died of natural causes. The Queen was in her early 30s at the time of her death and may have developed some serious medical condition. Some historians suggest that she might have had breast cancer (the main reason for deaths among women today), which caused her demise.
Others believe she might have had a fatal illness like malaria. However, this theory is not quite popular as others, as it would not explain the deaths of Cleopatra’s closest allies, such as her loyal servants, who were found dead alongside her.
Theory 5: Cleopatra Was Killed By Roman Soldiers
This theory uncovers the unexplained disappearance of Cleopatra by suggesting that she was killed by the roman soldiers who were guarding her when she was captured. The roman soldiers, who were angry and frustrated with their defeat at the hands of the Egyptian forces, might have taken out their anger on Cleopatra.
This legend is supported by the fact that Cleopatra- queen of the Ptolemaic dynasty- was found with marks of violence and strangulation. Another set of archivists believes that the mighty woman was murdered on the orders of Octavian, who was eager to consolidate his power and establish himself as the sole ruler of the kingdom of Rome.
He perceived Cleopatra as a threat and ordered her assassination, which his soldiers carried out. This theory is backed by the fact that Octavian had already executed several other Cleopatra family members, including her sister Arsinoe and her son Caesarion.
Theory 6: Cleopatra Faked Her Death and Went Into Hiding
Another popular theory can explain Cleopatra’s unexplained disappearance: Cleopatra knew that her defeat at the hands of Octavian, the future emperor Augustus, was inevitable.
Therefore, she decided to fake her death and hide to escape the humiliation of being paraded as a captive in front of the Romans. Some historians believe that she might have fled to Ethiopia or India, where she could live in anonymity for the rest of her lifetime.
Theory 7: Cleopatra Killed by Her Loyal Servants
The Last Theory Given by Scholars, Which Tries to Uncover the Unexplained Disappearance of Cleopatra, suggests that Her Loyal Servants Killed Her. It Is Believed that Cleopatra’s Faithful Servants Murdered Her to Save Her from Octavian.
It is claimed to be one of the most accurate theories, as some ancient sources affirm that Cleopatra was found dead in her tomb along with her two handmaidens, Charmion, and Iras.
After extensive research, many writers have concluded that Cleopatra VII, the Queen of the Kings, didn’t commit suicide. Some authors, such as Pat Brown (The Murder of Cleopatra: History’s Greatest Cold Case), suggest that she was murdered, and her story was spun around for the world to presume her as a failed monarch.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, the unexplained disappearance of Cleopatra VII remains a puzzle to this day. Whilst the most popular theory suggests she was killed by her loyal servants or by committing suicide by letting an asp bite her, some scholars propose alternative explanations for her demise.
These theories vary from Cleopatra being murdered by Octavian to faking her death and fleeing to Ethiopia or India to live an anonymous life. As mentioned, to date, no one knows about the unexplained disappearance of Cleopatra or the cause of her death.
You can easily find hundreds of interpretations of how she died, but the truth will never be known! That’s the beauty and curse of history. But it is evident that the demise of Cleopatra VII was a blatant end to the Ptolemaic Dynasty and the emergence of Roman rule.
While we may never know the precise incidents neighbouring the unexplained disappearance of Cleopatra VII, the last Pharoah Queen, her legacy is still enshrined in people’s hearts, making her one of the most fascinating figures in the history of mankind.
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