Cassius Dio Cleopatra

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Each authors portrayal of Cleopatra varies depending on their own outlook, the material sources they can identify and the moral, political and cultural influences at that time. Specifically, Cassius Dio’s depiction of the Egyptian queen is written about 200 years after the relevant events. Therefore, it is expected from readers and future historians to question the authenticity of the sources. Dio’s characterisation of Cleopatra focuses on her physical appearance and portrays a strong viewpoint. As well as many other ancient writings, Dio’s passage implicates that Cleopatra was a ‘surpassing beauty’ and ‘in the prime of her youth, she was most striking’. This interpretation is popular and many factors including her prominence may contribute …show more content…
With a ‘charming voice’, Dio states that she had the ‘power to subjugate everyone’. This signifies that she was a strong, and to a certain extent manipulative character who could lure people in as if they were under her spell. It is vital to consider the fact that most interpretations of Cleopatra was that of the Roman male, so the majority may have been blinded by her beauty. Although Plutarch felt Cleopatra’s appearance was nothing extraordinary, he did mention that ‘ the charm of her presence was irresistible’ and there was an ‘attraction in her person and her talk’. This legitimises Dio’s perception of Cleopatra’s personality. Similarly, they both used the word ‘charm’ when describing her, suggesting that her enchantment was a key point while excavating the truth of her past. Nevertheless, Horace’s well-known poem gives insight into what the people of Rome may have thought about Cleopatra, despite poetry being based on opinion rather than an accurate historical record. The poem has a negative vibe towards Cleopatra using the words ‘crazed’ and ‘mad’ to describe the queen. This differs to Plutarch’s and Dio’s judgement. It could be argued that Romans thought she was delirious due to the fact women had no role in political life, so the notion of Cleopatra possessing great power was
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