Subject
Caesar, Julius -- Relations with women Books
Best books
Arthur E. P. Brome (Arthur Edward Pearse Brome) Weigall
The life and times of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt : $b a study in the origin of the Roman Empire
"The Life and Times of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt" by Arthur E. P. Brome Weigall is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work explores the life and reign of Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, delving into her character, relationships with key Roman figures like Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, and the political implications of her reign. Weigall aims to present a nuanced perspective on Cleopatra, challenging prevailing historical narratives that portray her in a negative light. The opening of the volume sets the stage for a detailed exploration of Cleopatra's life, character, and the societal context in which she lived. Weigall introduces the theme of historical bias against Cleopatra, arguing that much of what is known about her has been colored by the views of her enemies, particularly from Rome. He outlines the sources he will draw from, including classical authors, and expresses his intention to humanize Cleopatra by portraying her not merely as a seductress but as a woman navigating the complex political landscape of her time. The narrative begins by establishing the significance of Alexandria as both her capital and a cultural hub, highlighting its Greco-Roman influences while hinting at the tensions that lay beneath the surface of her reign.
Arthur E. P. Brome (Arthur Edward Pearse Brome) Weigall
Kleopatra : $b Kleopatran, Egyptin kuningattaren elämä ja aika
"Kleopatra : Kleopatran, Egyptin kuningattaren elämä ja aika" by Weigall is a historical biography written in the early 20th century. It presents a reassessment of Cleopatra VII, challenging Roman-derived caricatures and focusing on her statecraft, personality, and role in the Mediterranean power game alongside Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The opening of the book sets out to correct biases in ancient sources, arguing that Cleopatra has been maligned by her enemies and should be judged as a capable, ambitious, and often admirable ruler. It sketches her likely appearance and powerful charm (especially her voice), emphasizes her multilingual intelligence, political resolve, and courage, and portrays her private life as centered on two major unions (with Caesar and Antony) and devoted motherhood rather than licentiousness. Her religiosity, taste for arts and sciences, and occasional ruthlessness are placed in the norms of her violent age. The narrative then shifts to a vivid portrait of Alexandria—its geography and climate, monumental harbors, Pharos lighthouse, palaces, Museum and Library, grand avenues, and the Serapeum—before characterizing its cosmopolitan, sharp-tongued, pleasure-loving yet commercially vital populace and the city’s pivotal place in the grain trade and Mediterranean world.
Recently surfaced classics