# Cleo (DD-099)

> Cleopatra VII (69-30 BC) was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Her dynasty descended from Ptolemy I, a Macedonian Greek general, and her first language was Koine Greek. She is the first Ptolemaic ruler known to have learned Egyptian. Plutarch implies she also spoke Ethiopian, the language of the 'Troglodytes', Hebrew (or Aramaic), Arabic, Syrian, Median and Parthian, and Wikipedia notes she could apparently also speak Latin. She formed alliances with Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony, and after her death in 30 BC Egypt became a Roman province. The footage shows AI-style portraits and court scenes, with the presenter.

- Department: People (also History)
- First published: 2023-11-29
- Last updated: 2023-11-29
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/cleo/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-099-F01**: Cleopatra's first language was Greek. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Greek first))_
- **DD-099-F02**: She was the first Ptolemaic ruler known to learn Egyptian. _(Write-up · Exhibit C (Learned Egyptian))_

## Write-up

Cleopatra was the first of her dynasty known to speak Egyptian. Plutarch credits her with many more languages.

1. **Last active ruler**: Cleopatra VII was the last active Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt.
2. **Greek first**: Her first language was Koine Greek.
3. **Learned Egyptian**: She's the first Ptolemaic ruler known to learn Egyptian.
4. **Many languages**: Plutarch implies she spoke many more, including Hebrew or Aramaic.
5. **Caesar and Antony**: She allied with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

## Related case files

- [The Colosseum (DD-121)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-colosseum/): I linked more of the Roman world she dealt with

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: 'Mark Anthony': the usual spelling is Mark Antony. I kept the caption as written in the transcript.
- **Note**: 'Latin, Aramaic and Hebrew': Plutarch names Hebrew (or Aramaic) among others. Latin is less certain; Wikipedia says she could 'apparently' speak it.

## Video: Cleo: Cleopatra Was the First of Her Dynasty Known to Speak Egyptian

- Duration: 30.0 s · Published: 2023-11-29
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C0O7I05uuUR.mp4

### Transcript

Cleopatra also known as Cleopatra VII, was the last active ruler of ancient Egypt and she was known for her intelligence and charisma. DID YOU KNOW? Cleopatra was able to speak multiple languages fluently she was not only proficient in her native Greek but also spoke Egyptian which endeared her to the Egyptian people. she was known to speak Latin, Aramaic and Hebrew, showcasing her linguistic versatility. Cleopatra's linguistic skills played a role in her diplomatic efforts and interactions with influential figures of the time including Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Which kingdom did Cleopatra VII rule?**  
A: She was its last active ruler. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Last active ruler) · Wikipedia: Cleopatra)_

**Q: What was her first language?**  
A: Her dynasty was Macedonian Greek. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Greek first) · Wikipedia: Cleopatra)_

**Q: What makes her unusual among the Ptolemies?**  
A: The first known to do so. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Learned Egyptian) · Wikipedia: Cleopatra)_

**Q: Who implies she spoke many languages?**  
A: In his Life of Antony. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Many languages) · Wikipedia: Cleopatra)_

**Q: Which Romans did she ally with?**  
A: Julius Caesar, then Mark Antony. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Caesar and Antony) · Wikipedia: Cleopatra)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Cleopatra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopatra)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Cleo." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-099, last updated Nov 29, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/cleo/