The Cleopatras - the Forgotten Queens of Egypt: Prof Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones

Cleopatra is known as a clever and charismatic ruler, but few today realise she was the last in a long line of Egyptian Queens of that name
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One of history’s most iconic figures, Cleopatra is rightly remembered as a clever and charismatic ruler. But few today realize that she was the last in a long line of Egyptian queens who bore that name.

In The Cleopatras, we learn the dramatic story of the seven incomparable women all named Cleopatra, recapturing the lost world of Hellenistic Egypt and tracing the kingdom’s final centuries before its fall to Rome. The Cleopatras were Greek-speaking descendants of Ptolemy, the general who conquered Egypt alongside Alexander the Great. They were closely related as mothers, daughters, sisters, half-sisters, and nieces. Each wielded absolute power, easily overshadowing their husbands or sons, and all proved to be shrewd and capable leaders. Styling themselves as goddess-queens, the Cleopatras ruled through the canny deployment of arcane rituals, opulent spectacles, and unparalleled wealth. They navigated political turmoil and court intrigues, led armies into battle and commanded fleets of ships, and ruthlessly dispatched their dynastic rivals.

The Cleopatras restores these queens to their deserved place among history’s greatest rulers.

The book (same title) was released in 2024.

Professor Llewellyn-Jones is Chair of Ancient History, School of History, Archaeology and Religion, Cardiff University,