This is the Story of What Happened to the Real Cleopatra

Cleopatra’s dynasty began after Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in 332 BCE. When he died, his general Ptolemy took control of the country and eventually declared himself king.

For generations, the Ptolemies ruled from Alexandria while keeping their Greek language and customs. They lived as outsiders at the top of an ancient Egyptian kingdom, building enormous wealth and power. Cleopatra inherited that complicated position, and the city where she grew up shaped everything that followed.