"Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety; other women cloy
The appetites they feed, but she makes hungry
Where most she satisfies;…"
Shakespeare's Anthony and Cleopatra.

Cleopatra VII (ruled 51-30 BC) was illustrious, intelligent and politically astute, and was reputedly the only Ptolomaic ruler to have actually learnt the Egyptian language.

When she came to power at just 18 years of age, Cleopatra was highly educated, spoke several languages and was mature beyond her years. Her abilities were evident early on as she helped Egypt survive a severe drought and launched lucrative economic reforms. Yet her position was precarious. Her father had left the country in civil turmoil, and Cleopatra faced the constant threat of assassination by siblings who also wanted to rule. In addition, the Roman Empire was emerging on Egypt's doorstep and were attracted to Egypt's vast wealth and agricultural resources.

Cleopatra's famous alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony were as political as they were personal. Through them, Cleopatra shrewdly secured her throne and preserved Egypt's status as an independent nation for more than 20 years, despite the increasing power of Rome. So how did it all go so wrong? Meet the last Queen of Egypt to find out, and post any questions you may have on this thread...