Cleopatra: A Life

I recently finished reading Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff, and I recommend the book to anyone who has an interest in ancient history or powerful women. Admitting that there is little hard evidence of Cleopatra’s life, Ms. Schiff uses her knowledge of history and human behavior to assemble a very readable biography. It was refreshing to see Cleopatra as a careful and savvy ruler, rather than the dependent sexpot we more frequently see in the movies.

The book develops the history of the Roman Empire, and their admiration for Alexander the Great, and the history of the Greek Ptolemies who controlled Egypt. It is the history that lays the groundwork for the lives and behaviors of Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra. They were all products of their cultures: historical, social and religious. Understanding these influences makes it easier to see them as real people with real goals and real battles. The struggle for power in Rome and in Alexandria seems to have been the real motivating force in the lives of the main characters. Striking a balance between the Roman overlords and the need of the Egyptian people to feel autonomous was the real challenge for Cleopatra.

Ms. Schiff points out that most of what we know of Cleopatra was written by men, and much of it years after the events of her life. It will surprise no one to find examples of male authors who were eager to describe Cleopatra as a witch or a harlot, while at the same time admitting that she was a capable ruler. While the people of Rome were rioting for food, the Egyptian people were enjoying relative prosperity and calm. She was obviously doing something right. But the consensus of the writers (male) was the same that held sway for centuries afterwards. There is nothing more dangerous than an intelligent woman.

I found the book to be very readable and well researched, but that is no surprise from a Pulitzer Prize winner. For me, Cleopatra has now become a real woman, no longer the archetype of the woman who uses sex to obtain power. I think we may be fairly certain that she is not alone in the list of historical women who were much more talented, intelligent and clever than they were portrayed. Perhaps in time, more of them will be brought out of the shadows by excellent historians like Ms. Schiff.

If you decide to pick up the book, or have already read it, I’d enjoy hearing your impression. That’s it from the frozen wasteland – let’s hope the Groundhog knows what he’s talking about.