Cleopatra is a famous figure from history, but her reputation in Rome has been shaped by stories told by ancient historians like Plutarch and Cassius Dio. These stories came at a time when Rome was trying to figure out its own identity and government, leading to a complicated view of Cleopatra that has lasted for many years.

Key Stories About Cleopatra

1. Plutarch's "Life of Antony":

   • In his writings, Plutarch describes Cleopatra as both a charming woman and a smart leader.
   • He talks about how she managed to get close to powerful Roman leaders like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
   • This description helped create the idea of Cleopatra as a queen who could control influential men, adding to the image of her as a mysterious and dangerous woman from the East.

2. Cassius Dio's "Roman History":

   • Dio's account is more critical. He paints Cleopatra as someone who is tricky, especially in her relationships with Antony and Caesar.
   • He shows her as a threat to Roman traditions and masculinity, making her seem like a villain in the Roman story.

Effects on Cleopatra's Reputation

The stories from Plutarch and Dio led to several ideas about Cleopatra in Rome:

• Seduction and Control: Both historians focused on how she attracted important Roman men, creating a stereotype of the "exotic woman" from the East who used her charm to get what she wanted.
• Political Competition: Cleopatra was often seen as a rival to Rome, making her seem like someone who disrupted the order of Western civilization. Her alliances with Antony brought her into conflict with Rome, especially at the famous Battle of Actium in 31 BCE.
• Cultural Representation: In Roman art and literature, Cleopatra became a symbol of the "Orient." She represented both beauty and danger, changing how people viewed her long after she was gone.

Lasting Impact

• The stories created a divide where Cleopatra was seen as both alluring and threatening.
• This influenced how people in Rome viewed her and left a lasting legacy that still shapes her story today.
• Later historical accounts and stories about Cleopatra often picked up on these early descriptions, keeping certain ideas and fascination about her alive.

In summary, the accounts by Plutarch, Dio, and others were key in developing a complicated and often negative view of Cleopatra in ancient Rome. They framed her as a vital character in the stories of Roman power and culture.