The death of Cleopatra and the fall of Ptolemaic Egypt
Cleopatra VII died in Alexandria in August 30 BC after Octavian conquered Egypt and Mark Antony died.
0:43 · Episode film
AI-generated historical dramatization.
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How did Cleopatra die, and why did Egypt fall to Rome? Explore Octavian’s conquest, Antony’s death, the uncertain snakebite story and Egypt’s new government.
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Alexandria, 30 BC. After defeat at Actium, Antony and Cleopatra can no longer hold their coalition together. Octavian's forces advance into Egypt and take the capital. Antony dies, and Cleopatra is left under the victor's control. In August, she too is dead. The last reigning Ptolemaic queen leaves behind a kingdom facing a new master. Egypt becomes a Roman province, its wealth and grain supporting Octavian's power. Temples, communities and older traditions endure, but the dynasty that ruled from Alexandria has fallen. Rome's long civil struggle has delivered Egypt to its victor.
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