Cleopatra VII was the last active ruler of ancient Egypt. She played an important role in politics during a time when Rome was growing powerful in the Mediterranean, as noted by the ancient historian Cassius Dio.

Political Alliances

1. Alliance with Julius Caesar (48-44 BCE):

   • Cleopatra met Julius Caesar when he came to Alexandria in 48 BCE. Together, they formed a complicated partnership that resulted in the birth of their son, Caesarion.
   • By teaming up with Caesar, Cleopatra secured her royal position against her brother, Ptolemy XIII. With Caesar's military support, she was able to defeat her brother in 47 BCE.

2. Alliance with Mark Antony (41-30 BCE):

   • After Caesar was killed in 44 BCE, Cleopatra joined forces with Mark Antony, one of the three leaders in Rome.
   • They had three children together: Alexander Helios, Ptolemy Philadelphus, and Cleopatra Selene. This partnership helped her keep control of Egypt while also trying to gain power in Roman politics.

Political Landscape and Power Dynamics

• Cleopatra showed that she was skilled at influencing politics in a time dominated by men. Cassius Dio described her not just as a queen but as a strong political figure who understood the power struggle going on in Rome.
• Dio talked about how Cleopatra supported Antony, even lending him around $200 million (in today’s money) to help fund his military campaigns.

Impact on Roman Politics

1. Controversial Figure:

   • Cleopatra was a mixed figure in Rome, with some people admiring her and others feeling distrustful, especially among the Roman elite. This situation helped Octavian (who would become Emperor Augustus) rise to power as he played on fears about Cleopatra and Antony's growing influence.

2. Battle of Actium (31 BCE):

   • Cleopatra's role in the naval battle at Actium alongside Antony was very important. Their loss marked a turning point that led to the fall of the Ptolemaic kingdom.
   • They lost ships and resources worth about $300 million in this battle, showing just how high the stakes were.

Conclusion

In short, Cleopatra's role in the political scene as described by Cassius Dio was complex. She skillfully built alliances, offered financial help for military efforts, and played a key part in events that eventually led to her and Antony's downfall. Her actions not only influenced her reign but also left a significant mark on the history of Rome and Egypt. Cleopatra stands out as a complicated figure whose impact went far beyond her kingdom, affecting the future course of Roman history.