Cleopatra is one of the most famous women in history, but her appearance is still a mystery. There are no known portraits of her that are considered to be accurate, and the descriptions of her in ancient texts are often contradictory.
What We Do Know
We do know a few things about Cleopatra’s appearance. She was of Greek descent, and she was said to be very beautiful. She was also said to be intelligent and charismatic.
The Ancient Sources
The ancient sources provide a variety of descriptions of Cleopatra’s appearance. Plutarch, for example, describes
her as being “of a light and delicate complexion…with a nose somewhat aquiline, but the rest of her features were agreeable, and her expression was most charming.”
Other sources, however, are less flattering. The Roman historian Cassius Dio describes her as being “rather short, with a dark complexion, and very sharp eyes.”
The Coins
Some of the most reliable evidence we have for Cleopatra’s appearance comes from coins that were minted during her reign. These coins show her with a long, oval face, a small nose, and full lips.
The Busts
There are also a few surviving busts that are thought to be of Cleopatra. These busts vary in appearance, but they all depict her as being a beautiful woman with dark hair and large eyes.
The Conclusion
So, what did Cleopatra really look like? It’s impossible to say for sure. The ancient sources provide conflicting descriptions, and the surviving images of her are not necessarily accurate.
However, the most likely explanation is that Cleopatra was a beautiful woman with a dark complexion and sharp features. She was also said to be intelligent and charismatic, and these qualities were probably more important to her than her physical appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are there no known portraits of Cleopatra that are considered to be accurate?
There are a few reasons why there are no known portraits of Cleopatra that are considered to be accurate. First, most of the portraits that were created during her lifetime were destroyed after her death. Second, the few portraits that survived were created by artists who were not familiar with her and who may have idealized her appearance.
2. What are the most reliable sources of information about Cleopatra’s appearance?
The most reliable sources of information about Cleopatra’s appearance are the coins that were minted during her reign and the busts that are thought to be of her. These images provide us with a more accurate picture of her appearance than the descriptions that were written by ancient authors.
3. What were Cleopatra’s most distinctive features?
Cleopatra’s most distinctive features were her dark complexion, her sharp features, and her large eyes. She was also said to have a long, oval face and a small nose.
4. How did Cleopatra’s appearance affect her political career?
Cleopatra’s appearance undoubtedly played a role in her political career. She was a powerful and influential woman, and her beauty helped her to attract the attention of powerful men. She also used her beauty to her advantage in negotiations with foreign leaders.
5. What is the most famous image of Cleopatra?
The most famous image of Cleopatra is the bust that is on display in the British Museum. This bust is thought to be of Cleopatra, but it is not necessarily accurate. It is a beautiful image, but it may not be a true representation of her appearance.
I hope this article has answered your questions about what Cleopatra, Egypt’s last pharaoh, really looked like.
