The 'Queens' of Kings

Closely related as mothers, daughters, sisters, half-sisters. and nieces, known with the only name of the Cleopatras, they ruled Egypt for a period of more than a century and a half (192 BCE – 30 BCE). When taken as a collective, the generation of Cleopatras set a new model for female power in antiquity. Together they dominated the politically world of men, in vigor, finesse, ambition, rigor, vision, and ability. All seven were direct blood relatives; and all of them were queens of Egypt. Composed of two Greek words, kleos meaning glory/fame, and pater meaning father/homeland was a big name to live up to.  

Historian Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones tells the dramatic story of these seven incomparable women, vividly tracing the kingdom’s final centuries before its fall to Rome. The Cleopatras were descendants of Ptolemy, the general who conquered Egypt alongside Alexander the Great. They were closely related, and wielded absolute power in overshadowing their husbands or sons. Without fail they all proved to be shrewd and capable leaders. The Cleopatras ruled through the canny deployment of arcane rituals, opulent spectacles, and unparalleled wealth. They negotiated political turmoil and court intrigues, led armies into battle fields and commanded fleets of ships, and ruthlessly dispatched their dynastic rivals. 

Women to remain on top have had to pay a heavy price. The Cleopatra wase a formidable name to matter. It matters as the Cleopatra was the first with a new genuine framework for aligning with active political power. Their collective story is neglected till today, but it shows that how they adjusted to the male-dominated institution. Taken together, theirs is an impeccable narrative on women’s power in the stiflingly patriarchal world. Llewellyn-Jones must be credited for bringing a story of ruthlessness, but also of lifelong determination. 

All the Cleopatras craved for power, and eventually wielded power. Some of the Cleopatras shared the same royal husband, whereas others plotted the overthrow their husbands. Each of the Cleopatras had an interesting story, about surviving marriage, betrayal, murder, violence and loss. The emotional turmoil each of them went through remains more of a speculation. Sex as a lure for power remains hard to comprehend. 

The life and times of each Cleopatras was much complicated. They were the power brokers of the Ptolemaic dynasty, no doubt. Through several successive generations the Cleopatras underplayed their traditional roles as mothers and spouses. While each Cleopatra may have different take on the subject, the compulsion to sustain gender dominance may have the last word. Only by doing so, the Cleopatras could gain time for the Romans takeover.  

At the peak of the Cleopatras rule, the last Cleopatra claimed the lofty title Queen of Kings. The Cleopatra VII demonstrated that women were born to rule over men. Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones offers fresh insights into the real story of the Cleopatras, and the tragic death of the last queen of Egypt.  

The Cleopatras  
by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones 
Hachette, New Delhi 
Extent: 361, Price: Rs. 999.

First published in Deccan Herald on Nov 10, 2024.