How Does Cassius Dio Characterise Cleopatra

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Carefully read the following passage from the work of the Roman historian Cassius Dio. In this passage, how does Cassius Dio characterise Cleopatra? How does this compare with the other ancient written sources you have met in the chapter?

Each author’s portrayal of Cleopatra varies depending on their own outlook, the material sources identified, and their moral, political and cultural influences. Specifically, Cassius Dio’s depiction of the Egyptian queen was 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 appearance and portrays a strong viewpoint. Like 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 remains popular and copious factors including her prominence may contribute to it. However, it can be argued that Dio’s portrayal is unreliable; he was not an eye witness. Plutarch’s representation of Cleopatra’s appearance proved to be on the contrary. He believed that Cleopatra was ‘not of that incomparable kind which instantly captivates the beholder’ (Scott-Kilvert, 1965, p.25). This denotes that she was not the most beautiful woman, contrasting what …show more content…
Experimenting with different brushstrokes and applying thick applications of paint, Cézanne’s work is highly recognisable. His various approaches to art suggest that he was trying to test the uncertainties of our interpretation. The Mont Saint-Victoire Provencal landscape collection includes Plate 1.3.20 and 1.3.22. The initial observations of both paintings portray various similarities and differences. Plate 1.3.20 appears to be more light and vibrant, whereas 1.3.22 proves to be duller, expressing a dark theme throughout the
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