This is the Story of What Happened to the Real Cleopatra

Cleopatra’s image has been reshaped by paintings, plays, and films for centuries. Hollywood turned her into a glittering queen surrounded by gold, servants, and dramatic romances, with actresses such as Elizabeth Taylor fixing that look in the public imagination.

The real Cleopatra likely dressed with purpose rather than fantasy, using Egyptian and Greek symbols to strengthen her rule. Much of what people picture today came long after her death, and the next surprise challenges the feature she was most famous for.