Cleopatra's image changed a lot in the writings of historians like Plutarch and Cassius Dio. She is often seen as a strong and clever leader. However, these stories also show the biases of the times they were written in.

Plutarch's View:

• In his book Parallel Lives, Plutarch describes Cleopatra as a charming and captivating person. He says she was smart and had the ability to speak many languages.
• But he also focuses on her relationships with powerful men like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. He suggests that these relationships were clever moves to gain more power. This makes her seem both like a smart leader and a woman who used her beauty.

Cassius Dio's Story:

• In his work Roman History, Dio shares a different view. He talks more about her ambition and the dramatic events in her life. He describes her as a dangerous woman whose charm led great leaders of Rome to their downfalls.
• Dio’s story is more exciting and dramatic, showing Cleopatra as someone who caused tragedy and used others. This view affected how people saw her later on.

Cultural Influence:

• Both historians wrote their stories long after Cleopatra had died. They reflected the Roman values of their times, which often looked down on strong women. Over the years, these stories helped shape Cleopatra's legacy as an important queen and a controversial person in history.

These different views show how Cleopatra's image continues to be complex. They help us understand her life and the opinions of the people who wrote about her.