How Does Dio Characterize Cleopatra

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 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 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 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 to it. …show more content…
Dio explained that it was part of Cleopatra’s role to meet Caesar, therefore, she asked for permission to see him, which was subsequently authorised. He continued to describe how she beautified herself to impress Caesar. It could be argued that Dio was reasonably preoccupied by his own opinion, as most other sources, including films show that she did not have permission. Plutarch declared that the queen was delivered in a sleeping bag as ‘there seemed to be no other way of getting in unobserved’. This statement is more realistic due to the fact Plutarch was writing 35 years before Dio was born and although the passage was not written during the reign of Cleopatra, assumably, he had more material sources. The singular correspondence when comparing the passages is that they both agreed Cleopatra entered the palace at

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