Cleopatra’s Daughter: Egyptian Princess, Roman Prisoner, African Queen

Draycott, a lecturer in ancient history at the University of Glasgow, debuts with a lush biography of Cleopatra Selene, the only daughter of Cleopatra VII of Egypt and her lover Mark Antony. Born alongside her twin brother, Alexander Helios, in 40 BCE and raised in Alexandria, Egypt, Cleopatra Selene was rigorously educated in preparation for becoming queen of Egypt. Following her parents’ suicides after their defeat at the Battle of Actium, Cleopatra Selene was placed by Roman emperor Octavian in the home of Antony’s former wife, Octavia. Though a captive, Cleopatra Selene’s pedigree made her an attractive match for a ruler of one of Rome’s allied kingdoms, and in 25 BCE she was married to Gaius Julius Juba, son of the deceased king of Numidia. Installed as rulers of the newly created North African kingdom of Mauretania, Cleopatra Selene spent her 20-year reign overseeing the daily business of Mauretania while Juba toured the frontier areas, keeping them secure for the empire. Archaeological discoveries—including the “strikingly innovative” coinage Cleopatra Selene designed and issued during her reign—testify to how she “succeeded quietly” as a ruler. Among other topics, Draycott sheds intriguing light on race and ethnicity in the Roman empire and the opportunities women had to wield power and influence. This peek into the ancient past enthralls. Illus. (Apr.)