Egypt's Last Queen: When Cleopatra's Courage Met Rome's Rigidity

Salve, Romans! As we stand on the precipice of this new era, let's take a moment to reflect on the life of Cleopatra – a woman whose spirit and tenacity were as monumental as the Pyramids themselves. In an empire where even the mighty Jupiter has a softer side (Juno, anyone?), Rome's unbending rigidity tends to eclipse the softer, more compassionate shades of its character.

Cleopatra VII, the last Pharaoh of Egypt, was more than just the sum of her kohl-lined eyes and intricately braided hair. She was a political powerhouse, a cunning strategist, and a woman who had the audacity to rule in a man's world. Now, if that doesn't scream 'Roma materfamilias', I don't know what does!

Rome, with its cold marble heart, had a hard time accepting Cleopatra's warm Nile-honed vivaciousness. Instead of viewing her as an opportunity to bridge cultures and create unity, Rome saw her as a threat. But as we know, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are its biases.

Cleopatra was a woman of the world before the world was ready for her. She opened the gates of Egypt to Rome, a move that was political heresy in the eyes of many. She bridged the gap between the Mediterranean and the Nile, sparking a cultural exchange that we are still reaping the benefits from today. From the newly popular Egyptian linen tunics (toga alternative, anyone?) to the influx of delectable Egyptian cuisine (because who can resist a good falafel?), Cleopatra changed Rome for the better.

And let's not forget her love affair with that old Roman playboy, Julius Caesar. Yes, perhaps it was a politically motivated relationship, but it was also a testament to Cleopatra's courage. She dared to love, and to be loved by, one of the most powerful men in the world. Now that's what I call bravery.

But alas, Rome, with its stubbornness as impenetrable as the walls of its Colosseum, was not ready to accept Cleopatra in all her queenly glory. Instead, it saw her as an exotic threat and an emblem of foreignness.

This is a wake-up call, dear Romans! It's time we embrace Cleopatra's daring spirit, her courage to challenge the status quo, and her unwavering determination to stay true to her cultural roots. In this new era, let's strive for a Rome that values diversity, inclusivity, and open-mindedness.

In the immortal words of Virgil, "Fortune favours the bold." And, was there anyone bolder than Cleopatra? Perhaps it's time we Romans adopted a little bit of that Egyptian audacity. After all