Cleopatra: A Testament to Women's Leadership this Mother's Day (a late post)

Celebrating Cleopatra: The African Queen who defied stereotypes and changed history

Inspired by Netflix TV series Queen Cleopatra (2023)

Beyond the Seductress Narrative

Popular media often reduces Cleopatra to a seductress, portraying her as a woman who used her beauty to manipulate men. But this narrative does her a great disservice. Cleopatra was a woman of substance, whose intelligence, courage, and leadership abilities were her true power sources.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s a poignant time to reflect on the powerful women who have shaped history. Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, stands among them, whose legacy transcends time. Cleopatra was not just a mother to her children but also to an entire nation, leading Egypt through turbulent times with the wisdom, courage, and foresight that have made her an eternal symbol of female empowerment.

A Throne Inherited, A Legacy Forged

Cleopatra ascended to the throne at the tender age of 18, inheriting a kingdom on the brink of collapse. Yet, with astute political acumen, she stabilized Egypt’s economy, expanded its territories, and navigated the treacherous waters of Roman politics. Her alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony were not mere romantic liaisons but strategic partnerships that bolstered her reign and brought prosperity to her people.

The Mother of Egypt

Cleopatra’s role as a mother was multifaceted. She was a mother to her biological children, including Caesarion, whom she bore with Julius Caesar, and the twins fathered by Mark Antony. But her maternal instincts extended beyond the royal nursery. She was the ‘Mother of Egypt,’ nurturing her country through her policies and reforms, and fiercely protecting it against foreign domination.

A Visionary Leader Before Her Time

Long before the concepts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), women’s empowerment, or feminism entered the global discourse, Cleopatra exemplified these principles through her leadership. She was a ruler who did not let the norms of her time constrain her capabilities. Her reign was marked by cultural and intellectual developments that laid the groundwork for the future.

The Lasting Impact of Cleopatra

Cleopatra’s intelligence, strategic thinking, and cultural patronage impacted Egypt and the ancient world. She was more than a beauty icon; she was a revered leader, beloved by her people, and a formidable force in the politics of her time. Her life reminds us that the strength of a mother, both in the literal and metaphorical sense, can change the course of history.

Cleopatra: The African Queen

Often, Cleopatra is portrayed as a white woman in popular media. Still, in reality, she was an African queen, hailing from a long line of Greek and Macedonian rulers who had made Egypt their home. Cleopatra embraced her African heritage, adopting the customs and traditions of her people, and ruling with a deep understanding of their needs and aspirations.

A Scholar and a Polyglot

Cleopatra was a woman of many talents. She was a scholar, well-versed in philosophy, literature, and the arts. She was also a polyglot, fluent in several languages, including Greek, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Trogodyte, Hebrew, Arabic, Syrian, Median, and Parthian. Her linguistic abilities enabled her to communicate with her subjects and foreign dignitaries, forging alliances and building bridges between cultures.

Honoring Her Memory

This Mother’s Day, let us honor the memory of Cleopatra, a woman who was not only a mother to her children but a mother to a nation. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of maternal love and leadership. Cleopatra’s life teaches us that with determination and vision, every woman has the potential to leave an indelible mark on the world.

As we reflect on Cleopatra's remarkable life, it's impossible not to be moved by her final moments. Knowing her time was short, she prioritized her children's safety and chose to remain by the side of her beloved, Mark Antony. Even in the face of capture, Cleopatra's thoughts were for her children's welfare and her eternal bond with Mark Antony. She pleaded for her children's protection and requested that her grave be placed next to her beloved.

If I had been part of that historic moment with the power to shape it, I would undoubtedly erect a tomb for Cleopatra, standing tall as a symbol of motherhood, women's leadership, and enduring love. Her legacy reminds me of the strength, resilience, and compassion that define true leadership, transcending time and inspiring future generations.

Note: These views are my personal interpretation of Cleopatra's story, and everyone is entitled to form their own perspectives based on relevant facts and historical context.