Cleopatra: The Dawn of a Queen

By Michelle Hartman

The Enduring Legend

As Cleopatra looks to the future, she remains determined to protect her son and her kingdom. She knows that the path ahead will be challenging, but she is ready to face whatever comes her way. With the knowledge and wisdom she has gained, Cleopatra stands poised to continue her journey, shaping the destiny of Egypt and securing her place in history.

"Cleopatra: The Dawn of a Queen" is a tale of ambition, love, and resilience. It paints a vivid picture of a young girl who grows into one of the most powerful and fascinating women in history, blending historical events with the drama of a life that continues to intrigue the world. Cleopatra's survival and hidden life add a layer of mystery and inspiration, celebrating her enduring legacy as a queen who never gave up.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michelle Hartman
• Release date: May 30, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227180285

Book preview

Prologue

The Rise of the Nile's Daughter

Alexandria, 69 BCE

The sun rises over the ancient city of Alexandria, casting its golden rays across the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The bustling port, filled with ships from distant lands, hums with the sounds of merchants, sailors, and scholars. Alexandria, the jewel of Egypt, stands as a beacon of knowledge, culture, and power.

In the heart of this magnificent city lies the royal palace, a grand structure adorned with marble columns and lush gardens. It is here, in the opulent halls of the Ptolemaic dynasty, that a young girl named Cleopatra begins her extraordinary journey. Born into a world of political intrigue and cultural splendor, Cleopatra's destiny is intertwined with the fate of her kingdom.

The Legacy of the Ptolemies

The Ptolemaic dynasty, founded by Ptolemy I Soter, a general of Alexander the Great, has ruled Egypt for nearly three centuries. Under their reign, Alexandria flourished as a center of learning and trade, attracting scholars, artists, and philosophers from across the known world. The Great Library of Alexandria, a repository of vast knowledge, stands as a testament to their commitment to wisdom and enlightenment.

Yet, the Ptolemies' rule is not without challenges. The dynasty has been marked by internal strife, family rivalries, and the ever-present threat of external forces. Rome, a rising power to the west, casts a long shadow over Egypt, its influence growing with each passing year. The delicate balance of power is maintained through diplomacy, strategic marriages, and, at times, ruthless ambition.

A Child of Destiny

Amidst this backdrop of grandeur and peril, Cleopatra is born to Ptolemy XII, known as Auletes, the Flute Player, and Cleopatra V Tryphaena. From a young age, it is clear that Cleopatra is no ordinary child. She possesses an insatiable curiosity, a sharp intellect, and a charisma that captivates those around her. Her tutors marvel at her aptitude for languages, mathematics, and the sciences, while her parents recognize the potential within her.

Cleopatra's early years are spent in the royal court, where she observes the complexities of governance and the art of diplomacy. She listens intently as her father navigates the treacherous waters of politics, forging alliances and managing the ever-present threat of Roman intervention. Cleopatra's mind absorbs these lessons, understanding that knowledge and cunning are her greatest weapons.

The Prophecy of Isis

One day, while exploring the temple of Isis, the young Cleopatra encounters a priestess who offers a prophecy. The priestess, with eyes that seem to see into the very soul, speaks of a future where Cleopatra will rise to greatness, her name etched into the annals of history. She will face immense challenges, but her intelligence and strength will guide her through.

You are the daughter of the Nile, the priestess intones, destined to bring light to Egypt in its darkest hours. The gods have chosen you, Cleopatra, to be a beacon of hope and resilience.

These words resonate deeply with Cleopatra, filling her with a sense