The Reign of Cleopatra

(Hardback)

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Ambitious, intelligent, and desired by powerful men, Cleopatra VII came to power at a time when Rome had cast its eyes on the Egyptian Empire. Cleopatra lived her whole life at the centre of a complex power struggle for control of Egypt and Rome, and her death simultaneously heralded the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty, the loss of Egyptian political independence, and the beginning of the Roman imperial age. For later generations, Cleopatra's legacy has come to symbolize the potent force of female sexuality and power. In this engaging and multifaceted account the author presents Cleopatra in the context of the cultures, countries, and people that surrounded her throughout her life, and in so doing develops a compelling picture of a legendary queen, and an historic reign. Designed as an accessible introduction to Cleopatra VII and her time, this book offers readers and researchers an appealing mix of descriptive chapters, biographical sketches, and annotated primary documents. An overview of the Ptolemaic Dynasty is presented in the introduction, and is followed by chapters on Cleopatra's life, the reality of Ptolemaic Egypt, Cleopatra's multicultural Egyptian society, and Alexandria's culture and conflicts. The narrative chapters conclude with a section discussing Cleopatra's significance as a person, a queen, and a symbol. An annotated bibliography and index are also included in this work.

Reviews

"[A]n important acquisition for high school and college libraries."-The History Teacher
"[A] clear, accessible and stimulating introduction not just to Cleopatra, but to the Hellenistic world."-Journal of Classics Teaching
"She survived her father's violent political struggles, dutifully married her brother and became co-ruler of Egypt, used the grandeur of her own and others' religion to assume the prestige of a goddess, and played the Romans like a deck of cards. She spoke eight languages, wrote books, and had children by Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony. Burstein dispels the myths about Cleopatra VII by examining the actual events, contexts and political significance of her life, clarifies the Ptolemaic Dynasty and how its ambitions became hers, and analyzes the symbolic importance of this most powerful of women. He includes an annotated bibliography, timeline, and translations of primary source materials."-Art Book News Annual
She survived her father's violent political struggles, dutifully married her brother and became co-ruler of Egypt, used the grandeur of her own and others' religion to assume the prestige of a goddess, and played the Romans like a deck of cards. She spoke eight languages, wrote books, and had children by Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony. Burstein dispels the myths about Cleopatra VII by examining the actual events, contexts and political significance of her life, clarifies the Ptolemaic Dynasty and how its ambitions became hers, and analyzes the symbolic importance of this most powerful of women. He includes an annotated bibliography, timeline, and translations of primary source materials.-Art Book News Annual
[A] clear, accessible and stimulating introduction not just to Cleopatra, but to the Hellenistic world.-Journal of Classics Teaching
Although each of these titles provides a lively, interesting overview of its respective subject, their real value lies in their primary-source material....Both Greenwood volumes examine their topics through culture, religion, population changes, and history. Solid additions to Advanced Placement, High Honors, or undergraduate populations. (reviewed in conjunction with The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Greenwood, 2004)-School Library Journal
Chapters provide a fine overview of Cleopatra's era and dynasty, packing in details on her multicultural Egyptian society and Alexandria's conflicts.-MBR Bookwatch
Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and two-year technical program students; general readers-Choice
"Chapters provide a fine overview of Cleopatra's era and dynasty, packing in details on her multicultural Egyptian society and Alexandria's conflicts."-MBR Bookwatch
"Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and two-year technical program students; general readers"-Choice
"Although each of these titles provides a lively, interesting overview of its respective subject, their real value lies in their primary-source material....Both Greenwood volumes examine their topics through culture, religion, population changes, and history. Solid additions to Advanced Placement, High Honors, or undergraduate populations. (reviewed in conjunction with The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Greenwood, 2004)"-School Library Journal

Author Bio

STANLEY M. BURSTEIN is Professor and Chair of the History Department of California State University, Los Angeles, and has published a number of volumes on Greece, Egypt, and the Ancient World.