Cleopatra - Last Queen Of Egypt - An Extraordinary Life
Extraordinary Series
What’s inside...
The book provides a biography of Cleopatra, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. It covers her family lineage, rise to power, relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, military conflicts, defeat by Octavian, and eventual suicide. The author examines Cleopatra's legacy as one of the most famous women in history and analyzes her political acumen, personal life, role as a mother, and extraordinary life as Egypt's last queen. Additionally, the book touches on how the Romans and prominent figures like Pascal and Shakespeare viewed Cleopatra, adding depth to her portrayal in history.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-13
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cleopatra
Mark Antony
Julius Caesar
Ptolemy Xiii
Octavian
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Cleopatra a strong and memorable leader?
How do you think Cleopatra felt being the last queen of Egypt?
What can we learn from the way Cleopatra handled her challenges?
How did Cleopatra's decisions impact the history of Egypt?
If you were Cleopatra, what would you have done differently in her situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about Cleopatra's life and leadership. Use parallels to modern leaders to make the conversation more relatable. Discuss the moral and ethical aspects of her decisions to deepen your child's understanding of historical complexities. Highlight Cleopatra's qualities and actions that are relevant to today's world to help them draw connections.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: Cleopatra's reign as queen showcases her leadership qualities and the heavy responsibilities she held. Leading a kingdom at a young age, she dealt with political alliances and conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking responsibility in their tasks, whether in group projects at school or in family duties.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Throughout her life, Cleopatra faced various personal and political challenges, yet she persisted in her goals and did not give up easily.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to stay determined and resilient, even when facing difficulties in school or with friends.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Education
Explanation: Cleopatra was known for her intelligence and was well educated in multiple subjects, using her knowledge to make informed decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value of education and how learning various subjects helps in critical thinking and problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness and Respect
Explanation: Cleopatra's ability to adapt and respect different cultures, especially the Roman culture, played a vital role in her reign.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to learn about and respect diverse cultures, enhancing social harmony and understanding.
Example Lesson: Strategic Thinking
Explanation: Cleopatra's strategic alliances, like those with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, highlight her tactical acumen.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of thinking ahead and strategically planning in activities such as games or deciding on their roles in group activities.