Coele. Chalcis ad Libanum. Mark Antony and Cleopatra 32-31 BC. Dually-dated RY 21 (Egyptian) and 6 (Phoenician) of Cleopatra
Bronze Æ

25 mm, 7,59 g

BACIΛICCHC KΛЄOΠATPAC, diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra to right / ЄTOYC KA TOY KAI Ϛ ΘЄAC NЄѠTЄPAC, bare head of Marc Antony to right.

Artificial patina, otherwise very fine

RPC I 4771; DCA 476; SNG Copenhagen 383 (Phoenicia); HGC 9, 1451.

Cleopatra VII Philopator, born in 69 BC, was the final ruler of the Ptolemaic Empire, governing Egypt from 51 BCE until her demise in 30 BC. Descending from Ptolemy XII Auletes, she strategically formed alliances, notably becoming the ally and lover of Julius Caesar in 48 BC until his assassination in 44 BC. In the ensuing Roman power struggle, Cleopatra aligned with Mark Antony, summoned to Tarsus in 41 BC. Their meeting, marked by Cleopatra's spectacular entrance, initiated a political and romantic alliance. In Alexandria, they formed a society dedicated to the god Dionysus and had twins in 40 BC. Political complexities arose as Antony returned to Rome and married Octavia, leading to strained relations with Cleopatra. In 34 BC, despite military setbacks, they celebrated a provocative mock Roman Triumph in Alexandria, distributing lands in the controversial 'Donations of Alexandria.' This heightened tensions, and in 32 BC, Octavian declared war against Cleopatra, alleging Antony's betrayal. The Battle of Actium in 31 BC concluded with Cleopatra and Antony's defeat. Facing capture, they died in a tragic end in 30 BC, marking the end of the Ptolemaic rule and the annexation of Egypt as a Roman province. The 'Donations of Alexandria' played a pivotal role in Cleopatra's downfall, contributing to her lasting legacy as a symbol of ancient Egyptian allure and tragedy.