Description
By Jacob Abbott. Discover the dramatic life of the last queen of ancient Egypt.
In Cleopatra, renowned nineteenth-century historian and author Jacob Abbott presents a vivid and accessible portrait of one of history’s most fascinating and misunderstood rulers: Cleopatra VII Philopator. Far more than a tale of romance and intrigue, this classic biography explores the political brilliance, ambition, and turbulent world that surrounded the legendary queen during the final days of the Egyptian kingdom.
Set against the backdrop of the expanding power of Roman Republic, the book follows Cleopatra’s rise to power, her alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and the dramatic struggle that ultimately brought Egypt under Roman control. Abbott skillfully combines historical narrative with character study, bringing to life the court intrigues, military conflicts, and personal rivalries that shaped the ancient Mediterranean world.
Written in Abbott’s clear and engaging style, Cleopatra has introduced generations of readers to the ancient world through a story filled with power, danger, intelligence, and tragedy. While rooted in the scholarship of its era, the book remains a compelling gateway into the history of Egypt, Rome, and one of antiquity’s most enduring figures.
This carefully restored reprint revives a beloved historical classic for modern readers. Ideal for students, history enthusiasts, and admirers of ancient civilizations, Cleopatra continues to captivate with its dramatic account of the queen whose life became legend and whose name still echoes across the centuries.
About the author: Jacob Abbott (1803–1879) was a native of the state of Maine who was a professor of mathematics and natural philosophy, a minister, and founder of two schools (the Mount Vernon School for Young Ladies in Boston and the Mount Vernon School for Boys, in New York City). He wrote more than 180 books and became famous for his easy-to-read style of historical storytelling, stripped of the dry dustiness which characterized other texts.
Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: The Valley of the Nile
Chapter 2: The Ptolemies
Chapter 3: Alexandria
Chapter 4: Cleopatra’s Father
Chapter 5: Accession to the Throne
Chapter 6: Cleopatra and Caesar
Chapter 7: The Alexandrine War
Chapter 8: Cleopatra as Queen
Chapter 9: The Battle of Philippi
Chapter 10: Cleopatra and Antony
Chapter 11: The Battle of Actium
Chapter 12: The End of Cleopatra
Index
Illustrated.
