History of Cleopatra in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 28, 2025

Cleopatra VII was the last active Hellenistic pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt, ruling from 51 to 30 BC. As a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, descended from Ptolemy I Soter, she was of Macedonian Greek origin. Notably, she learned the Egyptian language, a rarity among Ptolemaic rulers. Her reign ended with Egypt's annexation by the Roman Empire, signifying the close of the Hellenistic period in the Mediterranean, which began during Alexander the Great's time.

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1917: Release of Cleopatra (1917)

In 1917, Theda Bara starred in the silent film Cleopatra, which depicted her as a 'vampire' queen and incorporated tropes from 19th-century Orientalist paintings, influencing the character's portrayal in subsequent media.

1934: Release of Cleopatra (1934)

In 1934, Claudette Colbert starred as Cleopatra in the film Cleopatra, with her character serving as a glamour model for selling Egyptian-themed products in department stores, targeting female moviegoers.

1963: Release of Cleopatra (1963)

In 1963, Elizabeth Taylor starred as Cleopatra in the film Cleopatra. Leading up to the film's release, women's magazines advertised how to emulate the 'Egyptian' look of Cleopatra and Nefertiti through makeup, clothes, jewelry, and hairstyles.

1966: Premiere of Antony and Cleopatra Opera

In 1966, Samuel Barber's opera Antony and Cleopatra, commissioned for the opening of the Metropolitan Opera House, premiered, based on Shakespeare's play, solidifying Cleopatra's canonical status in popular culture.

2006: Publication of Kleopatra und die Caesaren

In 2006, Bernard Andreae argued in his book Kleopatra und die Caesaren that idealized Egyptian portraits of Cleopatra, like the basalt statue, do not offer realistic facial features, contributing little to understanding her true appearance.