Killed One of Her Brothers
Cleopatra’s pursuit of power led to speculation that she played a role in the deaths of her brothers, Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV. While historical evidence remains inconclusive, her motivations are clear. Cleopatra sought to secure her own children’s claims to the throne of Egypt, and the elimination of her brothers, who were also her co-rulers, served this purpose.
Whether or not Cleopatra was directly involved in their deaths, the intrigue and uncertainty surrounding these events underscore the ruthless nature of ancient Egyptian politics and the lengths to which she was willing to go to ensure the future of her dynasty.