Cleopatra

Cleopatra was a queen who ruled Egypt a very long time ago. Her full name was Cleopatra VII. She lived over 2,000 years ago. She was smart, brave, and spoke many languages. People still tell stories about her today.

Queen of Egypt

Cleopatra became queen when she was only 18 years old. She ruled a land full of pyramids and the big Nile River. She wanted to keep Egypt strong and safe. She worked hard to help her people. She even learned to speak the language of the common people, which other rulers did not do.

An old paper scroll believed to have handwriting from Queen Cleopatra.
An old paper scroll believed to have handwriting from Queen Cleopatra. (Cleopatra / Wikimedia Commons)

A Clever Leader

Cleopatra was known for being very smart. She could speak many languages. She loved to read and learn about science and math. She made friends with powerful leaders from Rome to help protect Egypt. Her story has been told in books, plays, and movies for hundreds of years.

Fun Facts

  • Cleopatra could speak as many as nine languages.
  • She was not Egyptian by blood, but came from a Greek family.
  • She liked to wear fancy makeup and bright jewelry.

Did You Know?

Cleopatra lived closer in time to the first iPhone than she did to the building of the Great Pyramid of Giza!