S8 Ep852: Barry Strauss introduces Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt and member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which turned Egypt into a Mediterranean "gold mine." She was a "tough player" who survived deadly dynastic intrigues to secure her throne. Her spectacular entry at
Podcast: The John Batchelor ShowPublished On: Sun May 10 2026
Description: Barry Strauss introduces Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt and member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which turned Egyptinto a Mediterranean "gold mine." She was a "tough player" who survived deadly dynastic intrigues to secure her throne. Her spectacular entry at Tarsus on a perfumed barge wowed Antony, establishing a partnership built on both romance and finance. Egypt served as a vital treasury for Antony's ambitions, as the Romans had long viewed the country as a bank. A key political asset was her son, Caesarion, whom she claimed was the son of Julius Caesar—a direct threat to Octavian's legitimacy. Strauss highlights Cleopatra's intelligence through the story of her dissolving a pearl in vinegar to host the world's most expensive dinner. While Roman propaganda painted Alexandria as "effeminate" and "comic," it was actually the scientific and cultural capital of the ancient world. (2/8)1572 CONSTANTINOPLE
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