This essay will analyse how Cassius Dio characterized Cleopatra in the passage provided and compare it with other written sources.
by
khagag9nrrnsixorguk (student)
Carefully read the following passage from the work of the Roman historian Cassius Dio. In this passage, how does Cassius Dio characterise Cleopatra? How does this compare with the other ancient written sources you have met in the chapter?
Cleopatra is one of the most famous female figures in the ancient history whose study is mainly emphasised from the Roman point of view. This essay will analyse how Cassius Dio characterized Cleopatra in the passage provided and compare it with other written sources.
Cassius portrayed Cleopatra as an exceptionally beautiful woman especially ‘in the prime of her youth’. Quotes from the passage ‘possessed a most charming voice’ and ‘make herself agreeable to every one’ indicate that with a seductive tone of her voice and compelling personality, Cleopatra was able to captivate people and make herself the centre of attention. In the quotes ‘with the power to subjugate’ and ‘reposed in her beauty all her claims to the throne’ Cassius characterized Cleopatra as a charming yet cunning woman who with her beauty has a capability to overpower and ensnare people even powerful leaders such as Caesar. The extract from the passage ‘adorned and beautified herself’ and ‘pity-inspiring guise’ shows that after obtaining permission to meet Caesar, Cleopatra purposely made herself very attractive. Her intention was to display herself in majestic and luxurious manner but she deliberately made herself look as she needs protection and help. She planned her entrance in a cunning and schematic way without Ptolemy’s awareness. Throughout the passage Cleopatra comes across as a beautiful, charming, calculating and alluring woman confident in her own intelligence and power.
