The Seven Cleopatras: Ptolemaic Queens Before Cleopatra VII

An article explores the seven Ptolemaic queens named Cleopatra who preceded the famous Cleopatra VII. Cleopatra I (c. 204-176 BC), daughter of Seleucid King Antiochus III, married Ptolemy V and became regent for her son, the first Ptolemaic queen to govern independently. Cleopatra II (c. 185-116 BC) married both her brothers, ruled for 57 years, and survived a rebellion where her son was murdered. Cleopatra III (c. 160-101 BC) married her uncle Ptolemy VIII, ruled jointly with her mother and son, and was assassinated in 101 BC. Cleopatra IV (c. 138-112 BC) married her brother Ptolemy IX, was divorced, and later murdered by her sister. Cleopatra Selene (c. 135-69 BC) married multiple Seleucid rulers and was executed by Tigranes II. Cleopatra Berenice III (c. 120-80 BC) ruled independently briefly before being murdered by her co-regent. Cleopatra V Tryphaena (died c. 69 BC) was wife of Ptolemy XII and possibly mother of Cleopatra VII. Cleopatra VI (died c. 57 BC) co-ruled with Berenice IV. The article details their incestuous marriages, power struggles, and violent ends, highlighting how these queens used dynastic alliances and betrayals to maintain power amid Roman encroachment.