The Search For Cleopatra by Michael Foss

Ancient times are known for having ruling emperors and barbaric men. There are millions of stories and books about the conquerers and the soldiers who fought bravely in their successes. But, what about women in ancient times? Did they sit around and take care of children while they waited for their men to return home? There is one women in the ancient world who captivated the men of her time and is still admired today for her beauty. In The Search For Cleopatra, Michael Foss tells the story of Cleopatra VII. He tells us about her remarkable legacy from hundreds of years before she was born all the way to her death, as well as, the historical circumstances surrounding her life.

Foss begins the book with a historical explanation of the hard work and uncertainty that naturally comes with finding more about the past. In the following chapters he splits the book into four important and direct categories. The first being the fall of Alexander the Great and how the Ptolemy I takes over that part of the kingdom and starts his own dynasty. Even though the book starts hundreds of years before Cleopatra VII is born, it is important to explain how the Ptolemy line begins and how the family rises to power. Foss dedicates a good portion of the text discussing how the early Ptolemies keep their greek origins as they continue to rule Egypt and this lasts all the way up until Cleopatra.

Foss follows his discussion on the Ptolemy's dynasty by looking at Cleopatra's upbringing and entry to politics. It considers topics, such as, her early years as a child, her characteristic traits and her accession to the throne. A very specific point that Foss emphasizes is Cleopatra connection with Egyptian culture. She combines a greek thirst for knowledge an...

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... Cleopatra provides an impressive take on the Ptolemy regime and the life of Cleopatra VII. It details Cleopatra's family history and her upbringing as a future queen of Egypt. Michael Foss dedicates a large portion of his book to Cleopatra's relationship with Rome and prominent Roman figures, such as Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Additionally we have considered some criticisms and praises of the book. For example, his lack of sources and portrayal of Cleopatra as a hero is problematic. Although his focus on background and a highly detailed narrative brings a lot of strength to the text. The women of history are largely ignored and Micael Foss attempts to rectify that, but, his portrayal of Cleopatra as a hero ignores how much of a politically capable ruler she actually was.

Works Cited

Foss, Michael, The Search For Cleopatra, (New York: Arcade Publishing), 1997.