Qualities of Cleopatra: Possible Threat to Rome

Cleopatra was a highly educated woman even as a woman of royalty. Although education had taken a hit Ptolemy VIII and IX, Ptolemy XII attempted to restore Alexandria to its former intellectual glory. Regardless of the politics that went into education, Alexandria was home of the finest library in the world and was adjacent to the Mouseion, a research center. Some popular subjects that were emphasized included medicine, philosophy, rhetoric and oratory.

Cleopatra had access to lectures and the Library. She was able to learn medicine from sitting in on lectures. Cleopatra did have a tutor to school her in other subjects. She was skilled in languages in a manner that captivated her audience. She was able to speak multiple languages such as Ethiopian, Arabes, and Parthians. Unlike other Ptolemies, Cleopatra had been able to speak Egyptian.

Roller, Duane. Cleopatra: A Biography. New York: Oxford University Press (2010).