Cleopatra’s Daughter - Cleopatra Selene II

Welcome to our channel! In this video, we’ll be exploring the fascinating life and legacy of Cleopatra Selene II, one of the most intriguing women of the ancient world. Born in 40 BC as the daughter of the legendary Egyptian queen Cleopatra VII and the Roman general Mark Antony, Cleopatra Selene II was destined for greatness from the start. Despite the tragic end of her parents’ lives, she managed to survive and thrive in a world of political intrigue, cultural clashes, and imperial ambitions. As a young girl, Cleopatra Selene II was taken to Rome as a captive of the victorious emperor Augustus. However, instead of being humiliated or oppressed, she was raised as a royal princess in the imperial household, educated in the finest arts and sciences, and eventually married to Juba II, the king of Mauretania. Together, Cleopatra Selene II and Juba II formed a powerful and enlightened partnership, promoting learning, exploration, and cultural exchange in their realm and beyond. They wrote books, patronized scholars, collected artifacts, and even sent expeditions to discover new lands and natural wonders. However, their reign was not without challenges and tragedies. They had to face rebellions, wars, and personal losses, including the untimely death of their only son. Yet, they persevered and left a lasting legacy that still echoes in the history and culture of North Africa and the Mediterranean world. In this video, we’ll delve into the life and times of Cleopatra Selene II, examining her family background, her education, her marriage, her accomplishments, and her influence on the ancient world. We also see the face of her son and the last Roman client king and ruler of Mauretania for Rome, Ptolemy of Mauretania.