Bust of Cleopatra VII

This marble portrait of Cleopatra VII was discovered at Via Appia, between Ariccia and Genzano and was likely on display in a private villa south of Rome.
The bust dates from approximately 40-30 B.C., and was made during the queen’s lifetime. Cleopatra VII is seen wearing the broad royal diadem of her Ptolemaic lineage, and her hair is styled in typical Greek fashion, the red colour of which, is still faintly visible.

Cleopatra was highly educated in the full laws and customs of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, she engrossed herself in science, philosophy, women’s issues, and most impressive the native language of Egypt. She chose to link herself with Egypt by her dress, worship, and representation.

In 48 BC Cleopatra began an alliance with Rome and Julius Caesar due to her Ptolemaic duty, but also a romance that led her giving birth to a son, Caesarion, and they all lived together in Rome, then in Egypt.

At the assassination of Caesar, Octavian and Mark Antony, who defeated Carsar’s assassinators divided the Roman empire, with Antony acquiring Egypt. Antony met with Cleopatra to discuss his rule over her, but they fell into love and combined forces, him assuring the Ptolemaic queen had control of Egypt.

Finally Octavian defeated both Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 30 BC. Due to this defeat, Mark Antony committed suicide.

For the fear of being captured by Octavian and wanting to avoid the humiliation, it is legend that Cleopatra committed a royal suicide of sorts, by having a cobra bite her.