Topical Encyclopedia Cleopatra VII Philopator, commonly known as Cleopatra, was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Although she is not directly mentioned in the Bible, her life and reign intersect with the historical and political backdrop of the biblical world, particularly during the intertestamental period and the early Roman Empire.Historical Context Cleopatra was born in 69 BC and became queen of Egypt in 51 BC. She was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, a Greek family that ruled Egypt after the death of Alexander the Great. Her reign was marked by political alliances and romantic liaisons with powerful Roman figures, most notably Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. These relationships were part of her strategy to maintain Egypt's independence amidst the expanding Roman Empire. Cleopatra and the Biblical World While Cleopatra herself is not mentioned in the Bible, her era overlaps with significant biblical events and figures. The Ptolemaic dynasty, to which she belonged, played a crucial role in the history of the Jewish people. The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, was commissioned during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, an ancestor of Cleopatra. This translation was significant for the Jewish diaspora and later for the early Christian church. Cleopatra's interactions with Rome had indirect implications for the Jewish people. Her alliance with Mark Antony and their subsequent defeat by Octavian (later Augustus Caesar) at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC led to the consolidation of Roman power. This shift in power dynamics set the stage for the Roman occupation of Judea, which is the political context of the New Testament. Cultural and Religious Influence Cleopatra's reign is often associated with the blending of Egyptian and Hellenistic cultures. She was known for her intelligence, political acumen, and fluency in multiple languages, including Egyptian, which was unusual for the Ptolemaic rulers. Her ability to navigate the complex cultural and political landscape of her time reflects the broader Hellenistic influence on the regions surrounding Judea. The New Testament, particularly the Gospels, was written in a world heavily influenced by Hellenistic culture, a legacy of the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires. The spread of Greek language and culture facilitated the dissemination of the Gospel message across diverse populations. Cleopatra's Legacy Cleopatra's death in 30 BC marked the end of the Ptolemaic rule and the beginning of Roman Egypt. Her life and reign have been the subject of fascination and myth, often overshadowing her political and cultural impact. For the biblical world, her era represents a time of transition and the complex interplay of power, culture, and religion that shaped the context of the New Testament. While Cleopatra's direct influence on biblical events is minimal, understanding her role in history provides insight into the geopolitical and cultural environment of the time. Her legacy is a testament to the intricate tapestry of history that God used to prepare the world for the coming of Christ and the spread of the Gospel. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CLEOPATRAkle-o-pa'-tra (Kleopatra, "from a famous father"): A daughter of Ptolemy VI (Philometor) and of Queen Cleopatra, who was married first to Alexander Balas 150 B.C. (1 Maccabees 10:58; Josephus, Ant, XIII, iv, 1) and was afterward taken from him by her father and given to Demetrius Nicator on the invasion of Syria by the latter (1 Maccabees 11:12; Josephus, Ant, XIII, iv, 7). Alexander was killed in battle against the joint forces of Ptolemy and Demetrius while Demetrius was in captivity in Parthia. Cleopatra married his brother Antiochus VII (Sidetes), who in the absence of Demetrius had gained possession of the Syrian throne (137 B.C.). She was probably privy (Appian, Syriac., 68) to the murder of Demetrius on his return to Syria 125 B.C., but Josephus (Ant., XIII, ix, 3) gives a different account of his death. She afterward murdered Seleucus, her eldest son by Nicator, who on his father's death had taken possession of the government without her consent. She attempted unsuccessfully to poison her second son by Nicator, Antiochus VIII (Grypus), for whom she had secured the succession, because he was unwilling to concede to her what she considered her due Share of power. She was herself poisoned (120 B.C.) by the draught which she had prepared for their son (Justin 39). She had also a son by Antiochus VII (Sidetes Antiochus Cyzicenus), who took his name from the place in which he was educated. He was killed in battle 95 B.C. The name Cleopatra was borne by many Egyptian princesses, the first of whom was daughter of Antiochus III and was married to Ptolemy V (Epiphanes) 193 B.C. Library How Cleopatra, when She had Gotten from Antony Some Parts of Judea ... How Alexander, Upon the League of Mutual Defense which Cleopatra ... How Antony at the Persuasion of Cleopatra Sent Herod to Fight ... How Herod and Sosius Took Jerusalem by Force; and what Death ... Fragment xvii. On the Fortunes of Hyrcanus and Antigonus, and on ... Herod is Confirmed in his Kingdom by Caesar, and Cultivates a ... How Alexander when He had Taken the Government Made an Expedition ... The Friendship that was Between Onias and Ptolemy Philometor; and ... Of the Times of Christ's Birth and Passion, and of Jerusalem's ... The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem Thesaurus Cleopatra...CLEOPATRA. ...Cleopatra married his brother Antiochus VII (Sidetes), who in the absence of Demetrius had gained possession of the Syrian throne (137 BC). ... /c/cleopatra.htm - 8k Ptolemy Triumph (52 Occurrences) Demetrius (3 Occurrences) Cleophas (1 Occurrence) Herod (45 Occurrences) Nabathaeans Nabataeans On (40792 Occurrences) Lysanias (1 Occurrence) Resources What influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgCleopatra: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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