When was Cleopatra VII born?

69 BC

What was the cultural heritage of Cleopatra's dynasty?

Macedonian-Greek (Ptolemaic dynasty)

Who was Cleopatra's father?

Ptolemy XII Auletes, also known as 'the Flute-Player'

What does the name 'Cleopatra' mean?

Honoured in her ancestry' or 'the glory of her father'

According to Plutarch, how many languages could Cleopatra speak?

Nine languages, including the first of her line to speak Egyptian

What significant event occurred in 58 BC regarding Cleopatra's father?

He was expelled from Egypt by the citizens of Alexandria and fled to Rome

Who ruled Egypt during Ptolemy XII's exile between 58 and 55 BC?

Cleopatra's older sister, Berenice IV

Which Roman governor of Syria restored Ptolemy XII to power in 55 BC?

Aulus Gabinius

What was the fate of Berenice IV upon her father's return to Egypt?

She was executed on her father's orders

Who were the 'Gabinians'?

Roman soldiers left in Alexandria by Aulus Gabinius to support Ptolemy XII's rule

When did Ptolemy XII Auletes die?

Spring of 51 BC

How old were Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII at their joint accession in 51 BC?

Cleopatra was 18 and Ptolemy XIII was 10

What title did Cleopatra adopt early in her reign to show loyalty to her father?

Thea-Philopator' (the father-loving Goddess)

What archaeological source from 69 BC depicts Cleopatra's father?

A silver coin (tetradrachm) showing him wearing a diadem

What does the 'diadem' on Ptolemaic coins symbolise?

Hellenistic sovereignty or kingship

Which archaeological source depicts Cleopatra as a young woman?

A limestone head/bust currently in the British Museum

What traditional symbol usually appears on the reverse of Ptolemaic coinage?

The Ptolemaic eagle

What did Cleopatra's early years teach her about Roman power?

That Roman military support was essential for maintaining the Ptolemaic throne

What was the nature of the will Ptolemy XII left with the Romans?

He requested that the Roman people ensure his children, Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII, ruled together

Where were Cleopatra's likely tutors drawn from for her first-rate education?

The Museum of Alexandria