Duane W. Roller and Mark Ashby are both esteemed scholars of Classics, with Roller being an Emeritus Professor of Classics at Ohio State University and Ashby an Associate Professor of Classics at Stanford University. Their book, Cleopatra: A Biography, is an exhaustive examination of the life and legacy of one of the most renowned women in history.
Summary of Chapters:
Chapter 1: Introduction - This chapter provides an overview of the historical context of Cleopatra's reign and the difficulties of reconstructing her life from the limited and often biased sources that have survived.
Chapter 2: The Ptolemies - This chapter examines the Ptolemaic dynasty that ruled Egypt during Cleopatra's lifetime and the influence of their Greek heritage on their rule.
Chapter 3: Cleopatra's Early Life - This chapter delves into Cleopatra's upbringing and her early years as a member of the Ptolemaic court.
Chapter 4: The Assassination of Julius Caesar - This chapter discusses the events that led to Julius Caesar's assassination and Cleopatra's role in the aftermath.
Chapter 5: Cleopatra and Mark Antony - This chapter investigates Cleopatra's relationship with Mark Antony and their joint rule over the eastern Mediterranean.
Chapter 6: The Battle of Actium - This chapter examines the events that led up to the Battle of Actium and Cleopatra's role in the defeat of Mark Antony.
Chapter 7: Cleopatra's Death and Legacy - This chapter examines the circumstances of Cleopatra's death and the impact of her reign on subsequent generations.
Chapter 8: Cleopatra in Literature and Culture - This chapter explores the various depictions of Cleopatra in literature and popular culture and the ways in which these depictions have shaped her reputation over time.
Chapter 9: Conclusion - This chapter summarizes the key themes and arguments of the book.
Overall, Cleopatra: A Biography is a comprehensive and nuanced study of the life of one of history's most renowned women. The authors, Duane W. Roller and Mark Ashby, offer a vivid and intricate portrayal of Cleopatra through their meticulous analysis of historical sources and thoughtful consideration of cultural representations of her. Their captivating depiction of this fascinating figure continues to capture the imagination of the public even two millennia after her death.
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