In this episode of Love Through the Ages, we explore the legendary romance of Cleopatra VII Philopator—Egypt’s last active pharaoh—and the Roman general Mark Antony. We trace their first meeting, political maneuverings, lavish lifestyle, children, and eventual downfall. Join us as we separate myth from fact, examining how their love shook empires and shaped history.
This episode contains references to death by suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please consider reaching out for support. You can find international hotlines and resources at Psychology Today’s list of suicide prevention resources. You are not alone—help is available.
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BibliographyAncient Sources
- Cassius Dio. Roman History. Translated by Earnest Cary. Loeb Classical Library. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1914–1927.
- A Roman senator’s account of events, written in Greek around the 3rd century CE.
- Pliny the Elder. Natural History. Translated by John Bostock and H.T. Riley. London: Taylor and Francis, 1855–1857.
- Includes anecdotes about Cleopatra, notably the pearl-dissolving story.
- Plutarch. “The Life of Antony.” In Plutarch’s Lives. Translated by Bernadotte Perrin. Loeb Classical Library. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1919.
- A principal source for Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s relationship.
Literary Adaptation
- Shakespeare, William. Antony and Cleopatra. ca. 1606–1607.
- The iconic Renaissance drama that immortalized the couple’s final moments.
Modern Scholarly Works
- Grant, Michael. Cleopatra. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1972.
- A classic, well-regarded study of Cleopatra’s life, placing her in historical context.
- Schiff, Stacy. Cleopatra: A Life. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2010.
- A modern and accessible biography that separates myth from documented history.
Online Resource
- Encyclopædia Britannica. “Cleopatra through the ages.” Accessed at
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cleopatra-queen-of-Egypt/Cleopatra-through-the-ages
- Provides an overview of Cleopatra’s life, legacy, and varying interpretations through time.
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