Cleopatra's End: A Snakebite to Patriarchy, not Egypt!

Written by: A Voice of the Vox Populi

October 12, 30 BCE - Rome, sweet Rome, get ready to sit down for a story. Not just any story - but the end of an era. Our dear friends in Egypt, or should I say, our new southern province, just lost their fearless and fearsome queen, Cleopatra. Yes, we’ve heard it right, that bold leader of the Nile, is no more.

Now, Rome, let's stop pretending we're not all entangled in this Egyptian queen’s asp fangs for our own juicy gossip. And for those of you that don't know, that's a snake, not a type of bread.

The rumors are swirling, like a rogue whirlwind in the Sahara. Cleopatra, they say, committed suicide by allowing an asp, a symbol of divine royalty, to bite her. Cue the dramatic gasps. But let’s not forget, this was the same woman who wasn’t afraid to break the glass ceiling of the great pyramids.

In her time, Cleopatra was more than just a queen. She was a revolution. A walking, talking, beautifully kohl-lined challenge to the male-dominated world. While our noble Senators in their togas might not appreciate such a rebellious spirit, we, the people of Rome, can respect the power and determination of a woman who dared to rule as a Pharaoh in her own right.

Cleopatra’s death is not a victory for Rome, but a loss for humanity. She was a queen who sought to uplift her kingdom, to make Egypt a power to be reckoned with in the region. But alas, the ever-so-egocentric patriarchy smelled a threat, and what does a threatened dog do best? It barks. It barks loud. And so, the barking war drums led to the death of a queen who could have been an ally.

The death of Cleopatra is not just a snakebite to her, but also to the patriarchy that couldn’t handle her resilience. Egypt lost a queen, and we lost a chance to see what a true partnership between Rome and Egypt could have achieved, outside the bedchambers of Antony wink wink.

So, let's raise our wine cups, Romans, to Cleopatra. May her spirit of defiance continue to inspire all women who dare to dream, dare to challenge, and dare to rule.

Here’s to the hope that Rome will one day see the rise of such strong, independent women who’ll shake the marble pillars of our patriarchal society. Till then, don’t forget folks - every snakebite leaves a mark, and this one, oh this one, is going to leave a mark on patriarchy for the ages to come.