truly bloodthirsty joy can be called some of the ancient world.In the light of the rights of many, but Cleopatra is unique in the sense that it was the last of the Egyptian Pharaohs and the first female politician.In one of the ancient scrolls contemporary wrote about it that its price was the death of love.Yet there were men who did not scare so ominous condition.Madly in love with Cleopatra, they gave their lives for the night he spent with her, and in the morning their severed heads were exhibited at the entrance to the palace ...
mores of the time
joy modern man of the ancient world may appear top of debauchery.At that time, not only co-existence, but also the legitimate marriages between fathers and daughters, uncles and nieces, and siblings were quite widespread, especially among the nobility.Of course, the first motive that encouraged such actions, was a property interest.In addition, people have seen how to deal with such cases in the royal family, and take example from them.
In Egypt, too, like the joy of practicing the ancient world.Cleopatra and her brother were no exception.Besides priests actively implement and strongly encouraged in the royal families of the so-called idea of the purity of blood.Apparently, in ancient times it was already known that the reusable incest leads to various mental diseases and other ailments august children.Thus, the joy of the ancient world depraved priests could use to achieve their selfish ends, because it is clear that a sick or feeble-minded person is much easier to manage.
Incest in those days was a common practice, and the moral character of the people here were innocent.Get at least, for example, the pharaoh Akhenaten, who was, among other things, an excellent husband of Nefertiti.He was a progressive and a good man in every respect, but during the lifetime of the couple also married his second daughter.Later in this article we will talk about Egypt and about what was joy Ancient World.In the light of the rights of many, but it is truly extraordinary Cleopatra was a woman.
General
Born future queen of Egypt in 69 BC.e.She is a representative of one of the most distinguished Greek clans.Her father was Ptolemy XII, and his mother - Cleopatra V. In addition to her family had other children, three sisters - Arsinoe, Berenice, Cleopatra VI, and two younger brothers named in honor of his father.When imperious, cruel and hated ruler of Egypt finally died, he ascended to the throne of his children: 12-year-old son, Ptolemy and his sister Cleopatra, which at that time was 17 years old.According to the custom of Pharaoh, they were married.
must say that Cleopatra VII was sufficiently educated woman.She studied mathematics, philosophy, literature, and knew how to play some musical instruments.Besides, she knew eight languages and was the only one of all the Ptolemaic dynasty, who spoke fluent with the Egyptians.
Appearance
still unable to find the source, where a fair representation of the exterior of the queen.But we can say for sure that all researchers unanimously repeat: Cleopatra was sensual and seductive woman.This is confirmed by the facts of her life.
now be called immoral pleasures of the ancient world.Cleopatra contained many men, but at the time it was not considered something shameful.It is no secret that the young Pharaoh, Ptolemy XIII only nominally considered the ruler of Egypt.In fact, power was Cleopatra
power struggle
But it could not last.Unhappy with her mentor, Ptolemy XIII board along with other high-ranking officials in 48 BC.e.rebelled against Cleopatra in the Egyptian capital - Alexandria.Rebellious people threatened to kill the queen, so she had to flee with her sister Arsinoe to the neighboring Syrian land.Thus Cleopatra did not feel defeated.
Soon she was able to gather an army, led that she moved to the Egyptian border.My brother and sister and husband and wife decided to find out in a fight, who also will hold power in the country.The two hostile armies met face to face about 30 miles east of Port Said, at the Peluso.
Relationship
Meanwhile, in the Roman Empire struggled for power, Julius Caesar and Pompey.Last battle of Farsalose lost and was forced to flee to Alexandria.But Egyptian nobles decided to curry favor with the emperor and executed Pompey.A few days later Caesar arrived in Alexandria, where he was waiting for a kind of "surprise" - severed head of his enemy.When he saw her, he was horrified and ordered Cleopatra and Ptolemy to end the war, and disband his soldiers come to him immediately for further explanation and reconciliation.
Appearing in Alexandria, the juvenile pharaoh began to complain about the actions of the sisters.But before you decide, Caesar wanted to hear the other side of the conflict.The queen knew that as soon as it appears in the capital, it was immediately kill supporters of his brother.So she came up with a very original plan: arrived in Alexandria at night on a simple fishing boat.She told me to wrap themselves in colorful cloth (on other sources - the carpet) and bring to the room of the emperor.It was both a great disguise the original joke.So there was one of the most romantic dating stories.
Knowing the subtleties of seduction and all existing at the time of the ancient world the joy of love, Cleopatra, a love story which still dominates the minds of the people struck by the Emperor not only spoiled their ingenuity, but also a keen sense of humor.In addition, her movements and even the voice literally captivated Caesar.Julius, as well as other men, could not resist the charming Egyptian love spells and in the same night became her lover.
full queen
Alexandria war that Caesar led solely for the love of Cleopatra, was completed after 8 months.During the fighting, two-thirds of the Egyptian capital was burned, including the famous library.Thereafter Alexandria swore allegiance to Caesar, and fullness of power, together with the throne back to Cleopatra.
Wasting no time, she immediately married to the next brother - Ptolemy XIV.It is worth noting that the marriage was a sham.In fact, the queen of all time was the lover of Julius Caesar and autocratically ruled state with the support of the imperial legions.
«Alexandrian courtesan»
Despite the fact that Rome was engulfed in riots, and there flowed a river of blood, Caesar was in no hurry to go back there.In the sweet arms of his mistress, and he forgot his duty, and public responsibilities.In order to keep themselves near the Emperor, Cleopatra tried to surprise every day and more and more to interest him.Until that time, experienced in the love of Caesar, no woman would bind to a long time.
In the few scrolls that were able to survive, and works of art of the time, you can imagine what was the joy of the ancient world.Cleopatra and her lover entertained on a luxury ship, the length of which is nearly 100, height - 20, width - 15 meters.On its deck he stood a real two-storey palace with cedar and cypress colonnades.Typically, after the ship followed an escort of 400 ships.This luxury was intended to demonstrate the ruler of the Roman Empire all the greatness of Egypt, and honors that he was getting.
few months later, Caesar had to say goodbye to Cleopatra and go back.Love joy of the ancient world in terms of the consequences are not too different from today: after a while Cleopatra had a son named Ptolemy-Caesarion.To protect the queen and her child from potential enemies in Alexandria was constantly 3 Roman legions who prudently left the Roman.
Assassination of Julius Caesar
Cleopatra with her husband and son in 46 BC.e.I went on a visit to Rome, where they staged a triumphal meeting.The locals were amazed unprecedented luxury motorcade alien ruler: string chariots, sparkling gold, for which there was a large number of black Nubian slaves, as well as hand cheetahs, gazelles and antelopes.
sake of "the Alexandrian courtesan" Caesar was ready to amend the law, which forbade the husband to have more than one wife.By the way, it was a lawful wife Calpurnia - childless woman.He also wanted to officially marry the Egyptian queen and make her son Caesarion sole heir of the Roman Empire.
I must say that no one has ever paid attention to the number of secret mistresses Caesar and other joys of the ancient world, which were alien to him.But when he tried to recognize his legitimate wife Cleopatra, it was perceived as an insult to all the people.And after 2 years after the arrival of the Egyptian, in March '44 BC.e., a group of conspirators of Republicans kill Caesar.He inflicted 23 stab wounds.So dramatic was over for him, this love story and an attempt to legalize their relationship with the "Alexandrian seductress."Some of the rulers of this way paid for the joy of the ancient world.Cleopatra was shocked, because did not expect this turn of events.
Flight from Rome
Another blow to the queen was a document left by the murdered emperor.When it was opened by the will of Julius Caesar, it became clear that he had appointed a successor Octavian, his nephew, and officially recognized his son Caesarion did not even mention.Cleopatra realized that she and her son was in mortal danger, so try as quickly as possible to leave Rome and return to Alexandria.
little later dies under mysterious circumstances of her brother and husband, Ptolemy XIV.There is speculation that he was poisoned by Cleopatra herself to be the sole and rightful mistress of Egypt, and his successor to make his son Caesarion.
After the death of Roman emperor in the state started the confrontation between his assassins and hungry for revenge Octavian, Antony and Lepidus.As a result, the triumvirate won.Mark Antony became ruler of the eastern provinces.But Cleopatra, leaving Rome, did not know what was able to spark love in his heart.
new meeting
Mark Antony was a famous Roman politician and military leader, and a friend and confidant of Julius Caesar.They have always supported each other in the most difficult time for them.So it was up to the death of the emperor.
After defeating the murderer of Caesar - Brutus - Mark went to Asia and Greece to collect compensation.Everywhere he was greeted with applause, and Cleopatra not only honored their great general attention.Angry, Antony ordered her to come to Tarsus.
What were the joy of the ancient world, can be judged by the way was Cleopatra in the seemingly business meeting.Just imagine: the lady of Egypt, sailed on a ship in a suit of Venus surrounded by cupids, nymphs and fauns!The huge size of the vessel, made of precious wood with gilded stern went under the scarlet sails.It exuded an extraordinary fragrance and came to the shore to the sound of beautiful music, when the sun was to droop.In the rapidly fading light on the ship suddenly broke magnificent illuminations.
Mark Antony - a brilliant commander, a brave man and a favorite of women who seemingly knew all the joy of the ancient world - has been struck on the spot as a grand spectacle.Therefore, rather than attack the willful queen with angry speeches and threats to turn it into one of the many provinces of the great Roman Empire, he invited Cleopatra to dine with him.In response, she offered Anthony climb aboard her ship, literally strewn with rose petals, and arranged a banquet in his honor, which lasted 4 days.But with such a luxury in Egypt are usually organized the joy of the ancient world.Cleopatra (photo of royalty, of course, we can not give you, but the images - as many) did not stop there.She invited her to visit the high-ranking Roman palace in Alexandria.
Antony arrived in the capital, and immediately went to the residence of the queen.He waited as the magnificent reception that he forgot all about public affairs.Throughout the winter, the palace "Alexandrian courtesan" arranged orgies and other questionable entertainment.Turned into a real Bacchante, she never for a moment left her lover and indulged all his wishes.Cleopatra tried to make it so that every day, conducted by Mark Antony at her side, was unique.She invented new and new amusements, sulivshie both a lot of fun.So she entertained her lover, who was new to these pleasures of the ancient world.Photos presented below - a frame from the film "Antony and Cleopatra", in which the role of the Egyptian queen Elizabeth Taylor played great.
king of Egypt
another military campaign began Antony in 37 BC.e.This time she was sent to the conquest of Syrian territories.Roman Cleopatra asked him to allocate funds for the Parthian campaign.The queen agreed, and in exchange, Mark gave her the northern part of the Judea and Phoenicia, and legalized his marriage and children.All thoughts of the commander were engaged exclusively Egyptian mistress.Conquered land he gave away to her children.It became known as the "New Isis" and present to an audience dressed as the goddess: in the tight dress with a crown in the form of a hawk's head and horns of a cow.
Wherever Whatever fought Antony, he was accompanied by "Alexandrian courtesan", arranged for him all sorts of pleasures of the ancient world.In the light of the rights of many, but as no one was able to Cleopatra to rule men.She convinced Anthony to renounce not only by his legitimate wife, but also from Rome.Eventually, he became known as the king of Egypt, and his orders began to mint coins that adorned Cleopatra's profile.In addition, once the shields of Roman legionnaires began to beat her name.
This behavior Mark Antony could not but cause deep indignation of the Romans.On this occasion, 32 BC.e.Octavian with his accusatory speech in the Senate.As a result, it was decided to declare war on the Egyptian queen.Joint army of Cleopatra and Anthony surpassed Roman.A loving couple knew about it, relying on military power and ... lost.The fact that the Queen, who had no military experience, took command of part of the Navy.Obviously not understand the strategy of brand, it is a crucial moment of the battle ordered his ships to retreat.Thus, the Romans won.This naval battle took place in the beginning of September 31 BC.e.near Actium in Greece.But Octavian Augustus needed another year to come to Alexandria.In desperation, Cleopatra and Antony threw a farewell feast, during which there were endless orgy, what Egypt has not seen before.
death of Anthony and Cleopatra
troops Octavian 30 BC.e.almost came to the walls of Alexandria.Hoping to soften the anger of the new Roman emperor, the queen sent a messenger to him with lavish gifts.Having come to know almost all the joy of the ancient world, Cleopatra was still convinced that at 38, she looks the same seductive and irresistible.Royals decided to hide in his luxurious tomb, which was recently built on the orders of her, and a little wait.
Meanwhile, Mark Antony was informed that his beloved woman committed suicide.Hearing this, he attempted to stab herself with a dagger.The commander was still alive when he was brought to the tomb.A few hours later Anthony died in the arms of his mistress.
While Egyptian queen pulled the time the Romans succeeded in capturing Alexandria.Burying Mark, she returned to the palace.It is worth noting that the new Roman Emperor was known for his amorous adventures, and he was not alien to the joys of the Ancient World.Cleopatra rights of men who ruled the world, but this time she was not able to negotiate with Octavian - in the Roman her feminine charms made no impression.
«Alexandria seductress" already foresaw the future and do not cherish any illusions about this: it put in chains, forced to go through the streets of the Eternal City for the triumphant chariot.But, according to legend, Cleopatra avoid shame: her faithful servants gave her mistress a basket of food, which hid a small poisonous asp.e.
