Cleopatra’s Legacy Still Distorted by Ancient Roman Propaganda

Ancient Roman propaganda continues to distort our modern perception of Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of Egypt’s Ptolemaic Kingdom, according to historians who are working to separate fact from fiction about the legendary queen.

Experts point to a systematic campaign of character assassination launched by Rome’s first emperor, Octavian (later known as Augustus), which portrayed Cleopatra as a seductress who used feminine wiles rather than political acumen to challenge Roman power. This propaganda, they say, has persisted for over two millennia and continues to influence contemporary representations of the Egyptian ruler.

“What we know about Cleopatra today is largely filtered through Roman sources written by her enemies,” explains Dr. Sarah Thompkins, professor of ancient Mediterranean history at Oxford University. “These accounts deliberately emphasized her sexuality while downplaying her intelligence, diplomatic skills, and administrative competence.”

The Roman narrative emerged during Cleopatra’s alliance with Mark Antony, which threatened Octavian’s political ambitions. After defeating Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE, Octavian solidified his control over Rome by portraying Cleopatra as a foreign temptress who nearly brought Rome to ruin.

Archaeological and historical evidence, however, paints a more nuanced picture of the queen. Fluent in at least nine languages, Cleopatra was highly educated in mathematics, philosophy, astronomy, and oratory. She successfully navigated complex political relationships with Rome while maintaining Egyptian independence for nearly two decades.

“Cleopatra was arguably the most capable ruler of the entire Ptolemaic dynasty,” notes Dr. Miguel Fernandez, curator of Egyptian antiquities at the British Museum. “She stabilized a kingdom in decline, secured grain production during regional famines, and expanded trade throughout the Mediterranean.”

The queen’s strategic alliances with Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony were diplomatic masterstrokes that temporarily preserved Egyptian sovereignty against Roman expansion. Evidence suggests these relationships were based on mutual political advantage rather than mere romantic entanglement.

Recent archaeological discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of Cleopatra’s reign. Underwater excavations off Alexandria’s coast have uncovered artifacts from her palace complex, while documentary evidence from papyri reveals administrative reforms implemented during her rule.

“We’re seeing increasing evidence of Cleopatra’s effectiveness as a ruler who prioritized Egypt’s economic stability and cultural preservation,” says Dr. Aisha Mahmoud, director of Alexandrian Studies at Cairo University. “She maintained Egyptian traditions while engaging with the wider Hellenistic world, making her a genuinely multicultural monarch.”

The queen’s image has evolved somewhat in recent decades, with scholarly works emphasizing her political acumen. Yet popular culture continues to recycle Roman stereotypes, focusing disproportionately on her romantic relationships rather than her achievements as a ruler.

The upcoming film adaptation of Stacy Schiff’s biography “Cleopatra: A Life” has sparked renewed discussions about the queen’s legacy and representation. Producers have promised a portrayal that challenges the traditional Roman narrative, though critics remain skeptical about Hollywood’s ability to move beyond sexualized depictions.

“The Roman propaganda about Cleopatra was remarkably effective,” explains Dr. Thompkins. “It not only justified Roman conquest of Egypt but established a template for how powerful women are often delegitimized throughout history – by reducing their influence to sexual manipulation rather than political skill.”

Historians note that Cleopatra’s case is not unique. Roman sources similarly maligned other powerful women who challenged their authority, including Boudica of Britain and Zenobia of Palmyra.

Understanding the biases in ancient sources has broader implications for how we interpret history, especially regarding female leadership. Scholars suggest that recognizing the propaganda elements in Roman accounts of Cleopatra provides valuable lessons about how political narratives shape historical memory.

“When we peel back the layers of Roman propaganda,” concludes Dr. Fernandez, “we discover not just a more accurate picture of Cleopatra, but also insight into how power has been described and defined throughout history. The fact that these Roman characterizations have endured for over 2,000 years speaks to their effectiveness – and to our responsibility to question received historical wisdom.”