Cleopatra... in 6 perspectives

Cleopatra, heiress to the Ptolemaic dynasty and legendary queen of Egypt, has inspired an endless stream of writings and representations. A brilliant strategist with a bewitching charm, her image has been continually reused and mythologized, often reduced to her seductiveness alone. This evolution illustrates how perceptions of Cleopatra have shaped a complex legacy, blending historical reality and collective fantasy.

 Here are 6 recommendations for discovering Cleopatra... in all her facets! 

1. If you want to discover a classic film 

 The movie Cleopatra released in 1963, depicts the life and reign of Cleopatra, played by the great Elizabeth Taylor, and her relationship with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. This cult film cemented a spectacular, romantic image of Cleopatra in the collective imagination, elevating her to the status of a global icon.

Grandiose staging and memorable performances will be part of the show, offering a representation of Cleopatra that is certainly fantasized... but not lacking in charm! 

Cleopatra by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, 1963

2. If you're a keen investigator and love to sort out the real from the fake

 Go to a bookstore and buy Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff, a critically acclaimed biography published in 2010. The American essayist sets out to untangle myth from reality, offering a nuanced perspective on Cleopatra's life, relationships and role in history.

 A fascinating portrait of a complex woman... beyond appearances!

Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff, Flammarion, 2010 (French translation)

3. If you're in the mood for a good laugh 

Why not (re)immerse yourself in Asterix and Cleopatrathe cult classic by Goscinny and Uderzo? You're spoilt for choice: the original comic strip, and its cartoon and film adaptations! Cleopatra wants to build a sumptuous palace in just three months to prove to Caesar the greatness of the Egyptian people. A colorful adventure full of twists and turns... and guaranteed laughs!

This depiction of Cleopatra is not devoid of stereotypes, but reveals the caricatured image engraved in everyone's mind! 

Asterix and Cleopatra by Goscinny and Uderzo, Dargaud, 1965 (comics)

Asterix and Cleopatra by Goscinny and Uderzo, 1968 (Animated feature)

Asterix and Obelix: Mission CleopatraAlain Chabat, 2002 (Film)

4. If you're dreaming of a novel to devour on vacation

If you like the kind of book you can't put down... The Memoirs of Cleopatraby Margaret George is for you!

Written in the first person, this three-volume historical novel puts you in Cleopatra's shoes, inviting you to share her thoughts and emotions. A unique, emotional and exciting perspective on the queen's adventures, through her own eyes! 

The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George, Le Livre de Poche, 1998 (Trilogy)

5. If you have a sharp ear...

Hear ye, hear ye! An all-new podcast on Cleopatra awaits you! A five-part series that looks back at the life of the famous queen, clearing away the stereotypes that still surround her. Edifying!

Cleopatra ©Radio France - Atelier graphique

Cleopatra, the political geniusFrance Inter podcast, available on the Radio France website and app, 2022 (5 episodes)

6. If you're an aspiring historian

 Belgian art historian and archaeologist François de Callataÿ takes an in-depth look at representations of Cleopatra, comparing them with historical reality... and the little we know about them! 

For those interested, we also recommend the same author's lectures on Cleopatra, which can be found on the Royal Academy of Belgium's YouTube page!

Cleopatra, uses and misuses of her image by François de Callataÿ, Académie royale de Belgique, 2015

So... your evenings are going to be full of reading, listening and viewing! And don't forget to pay tribute to Cleopatra by wearing your lingerie Scandale... as a wink!