Cleopatra:A Biography

A Biography

Nonfiction, History, Ancient History, Egypt, Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book Cleopatra:A Biography by Duane W. Roller, Oxford University Press, USA
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Duane W. Roller ISBN: 9780199752584
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA Publication: April 1, 2010
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Duane W. Roller
ISBN: 9780199752584
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Publication: April 1, 2010
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Few personalities from classical antiquity are more famous--yet more poorly understood--than Cleopatra VII, queen of Egypt. In this major biography, Duane Roller reveals that Cleopatra was in fact a learned and visionary leader whose overarching goal was always the preservation of her dynasty and kingdom.Roller's authoritative account is the first to be based solely on primary materials from the Greco-Roman period: literary sources, Egyptian documents (Cleopatra's own writings), and representations in art and coinage produced while she was alive. His compelling portrait of the queen illuminates her prowess as a royal administrator who managed a large and diverse kingdom extending from Asia Minor to the interior of Egypt, as a naval commander who led her own fleet in battle, and as a scholar and supporter of the arts. Even her love affairs with Julius Caesar and Marcus Antonius--the source of her reputation as a supreme seductress who drove men to their doom--were carefully crafted state policies: she chose these partners to insure the procreation of successors who would be worthy of her distinguished dynasty. That Cleopatra ultimately lost to her Roman opponents, Roller contends, in no way diminishes her abilities."Roller tells his tale smoothly and accessibly....The resulting portrait is that of a complex, many-sided figure, a potent Hellenistic ruler who could move the tillers of power as skillfully as any man, and one far and nobly removed from the 'constructed icon' of popular imagination."--The New York Times Book Review"A rich account of late Ptolemaic culture."--The New Yorker"Offers a superb panorama of the society and culture of late Ptolemaic Egypt, with vivid sketches of the (remarkably vigorous) intellectual life of Cleopatra's Alexandria and the structural instabilities of the late Ptolemaic state."--Times Literary Supplement"Besides providing a compelling story and breathing fresh air into a heretofore two-dimensional caricature from history, Roller's 'Cleopatra' provides an interesting commentary on the attitudes still prevalent towards women who rule."--Christian Science Monitor"Compulsively readable."--Bookslut"A definitive account of a queen of remarkable strength."--Publishers Weekly

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Few personalities from classical antiquity are more famous--yet more poorly understood--than Cleopatra VII, queen of Egypt. In this major biography, Duane Roller reveals that Cleopatra was in fact a learned and visionary leader whose overarching goal was always the preservation of her dynasty and kingdom.Roller's authoritative account is the first to be based solely on primary materials from the Greco-Roman period: literary sources, Egyptian documents (Cleopatra's own writings), and representations in art and coinage produced while she was alive. His compelling portrait of the queen illuminates her prowess as a royal administrator who managed a large and diverse kingdom extending from Asia Minor to the interior of Egypt, as a naval commander who led her own fleet in battle, and as a scholar and supporter of the arts. Even her love affairs with Julius Caesar and Marcus Antonius--the source of her reputation as a supreme seductress who drove men to their doom--were carefully crafted state policies: she chose these partners to insure the procreation of successors who would be worthy of her distinguished dynasty. That Cleopatra ultimately lost to her Roman opponents, Roller contends, in no way diminishes her abilities."Roller tells his tale smoothly and accessibly....The resulting portrait is that of a complex, many-sided figure, a potent Hellenistic ruler who could move the tillers of power as skillfully as any man, and one far and nobly removed from the 'constructed icon' of popular imagination."--The New York Times Book Review"A rich account of late Ptolemaic culture."--The New Yorker"Offers a superb panorama of the society and culture of late Ptolemaic Egypt, with vivid sketches of the (remarkably vigorous) intellectual life of Cleopatra's Alexandria and the structural instabilities of the late Ptolemaic state."--Times Literary Supplement"Besides providing a compelling story and breathing fresh air into a heretofore two-dimensional caricature from history, Roller's 'Cleopatra' provides an interesting commentary on the attitudes still prevalent towards women who rule."--Christian Science Monitor"Compulsively readable."--Bookslut"A definitive account of a queen of remarkable strength."--Publishers Weekly

More books from Oxford University Press, USA

Cover of the book Snake Oil Science:The Truth about Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book Genius Unmasked by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book The Body in Pain:The Making and Unmaking of the World by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book Why America Fights : Patriotism And War Propaganda From The Philippines To Iraq by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book The Compatibility Gene: How Our Bodies Fight Disease, Attract Others, and Define Our Selves by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book The Learning Brain:Memory and Brain Development in Children by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book Burr, Hamilton, and Jefferson : A Study in Character by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book Oxford American Handbook Of Emergency Medicine by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book The Scratch of a Pen : 1763 and the Transformation of North America by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book Wellspring Of Liberty : How Virginia's Religious Dissenters Helped Win The American Revolution And Secured Religious Liberty by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book Debating The Death Penalty : Should America Have Capital Punishment? The Experts On Both Sides Make Their Case by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book The Undercover Economist : Exposing Why The Rich Are Rich, The Poor Are Poor--And Why You Can Never Buy A Decent Used Car! by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book The Songs Of Hollywood by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book Making The American Self : Jonathan Edwards To Abraham Lincoln by Duane W. Roller
Cover of the book Counterinsurgency by Duane W. Roller
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy