Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, is often remembered for her beauty and her alliances with Roman leaders. However, a rare papyrus featuring her potential handwriting offers a different perspective on this legendary queen. Dating back to 33 BCE, this document reveals Cleopatra’s involvement in Egypt’s governance, showcasing her as a shrewd political strategist. This artifact not only provides insight into her administrative skills but also challenges the popular image of Cleopatra, highlighting her role in navigating the complex political landscape of her time.
The Only Surviving Document with Cleopatra’s Handwriting!
Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, is often remembered for her political influence, her dramatic romance with Roman general Mark Antony, and her tragic demise. However, a lesser-known aspect of Cleopatra’s legacy is revealed through an intriguing artifact: a papyrus document that may contain her very own handwriting. This ancient document, dated to February 23, 33 BCE, is a royal decree that grants financial privileges to a Roman absentee landlord. Its discovery provides new insights into Cleopatra’s administrative skills and her strategic use of political alliances.
Cleopatra VII: The Last Ptolemaic Ruler
Cleopatra’s reign was marked by both her alliances with powerful Roman figures and her efforts to maintain Egypt’s sovereignty amidst the tumultuous politics of the Roman Republic. Traditionally, she has been portrayed as a seductive queen who wielded her charm to influence political outcomes. However, the papyrus document in question offers a different perspective, highlighting her as a shrewd and capable ruler engaged in the complex political and economic management of her realm.
A Glimpse into Cleopatra’s Administrative Role
The papyrus document, which surfaced in 2010 at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, shows Cleopatra’s direct involvement in Egypt’s administrative affairs. It challenges the one-dimensional portrayal of her as merely a seductress, illustrating instead her astute governance and use of realpolitik to maintain her kingdom’s stability. This document underscores Cleopatra’s role in managing the kingdom’s resources, securing alliances, and navigating the political intricacies of the Roman world.
The Context: Cleopatra, Antony, and the Absentee Landlord
Cleopatra’s relationship with Mark Antony, a key Roman political figure, was not only romantic but also strategically significant. After Julius Caesar’s assassination, Antony formed an alliance with Octavian, leading to the Second Triumvirate. However, this alliance eventually fractured, and Antony and Octavian became fierce rivals. During their partnership, Antony granted Cleopatra control over vast territories, bolstering her power in Egypt.
The papyrus is associated with Publius Canidius Crassus, a Roman general and Antony’s confidant. Historians, including Peter van Minnen, identify Canidius as the absentee landlord who was granted extensive tax exemptions and protections by Cleopatra. This gesture was likely aimed at securing Canidius’s loyalty in the ongoing power struggle against Octavian. The document thus reflects Cleopatra’s strategic acumen in securing alliances with influential Roman figures to fortify her rule.
Decoding the Papyrus
The papyrus outlines an ordinance that grants Canidius and his heirs various economic privileges, such as exemption from taxes on the annual export of 10,000 artabas of wheat (about 300 tonnes) and the import of 5,000 amphorae of wine. Additionally, it exempts Canidius from taxes on all his land in Egypt and protects his workers from forced labor. The decree further shields Canidius’s property from military requisitions, ensuring the uninterrupted productivity of his estates.
This strategic use of economic incentives showcases Cleopatra’s adeptness in using fiscal policy to build and maintain political alliances. By offering such privileges, she could secure the loyalty of powerful Roman figures, ensuring their support in the turbulent political landscape of the time.
Cleopatra’s Handwriting: “Make it Happen!”
One of the most fascinating aspects of this document is the final Greek word “ginestho,” meaning “Make it happen!” Scholars suggest this may be Cleopatra’s own handwriting, marking her direct involvement in the document’s approval. The script at the end of the document differs slightly from the rest, leading experts to speculate that this was Cleopatra’s personal touch.
If this is indeed Cleopatra’s handwriting, it would be the only known example of her script, providing a tangible connection to her active role in governance. Although some scholars debate this claim, arguing the differences in handwriting might not be conclusive, the possibility adds a personal dimension to our understanding of Cleopatra’s rule. It emphasizes her authority and direct influence over the political and economic matters of her kingdom.
The Significance of the Document in the Broader Historical Context
This papyrus is not just a curiosity but a critical piece of evidence that sheds light on the broader historical dynamics of the late Ptolemaic period. It illustrates how Cleopatra skillfully navigated the complexities of Roman-Egyptian relations, using economic policy as a tool to build alliances and maintain her kingdom’s autonomy amidst Rome’s expanding influence. The document reveals the political savvy Cleopatra exercised in securing support from key Roman figures, thus highlighting her role not just as a queen, but as a ruler adept in the art of diplomacy and statecraft.
The Role of Papyrology in Uncovering History
The survival of this papyrus is a testament to the value of papyrology in uncovering historical truths. It was found in mummy cartonnage, an ancient form of papier-mâché made from recycled papyrus. The document’s discovery has provided historians with invaluable insights into Cleopatra’s governance and the administrative practices of ancient Egypt.
However, the interpretation of such documents is often fraught with challenges. Differences in handwriting, the fragmentary condition of the papyrus, and the context in which these artifacts are found can lead to varying scholarly opinions. Yet, despite these challenges, documents like this one offer a rare glimpse into the lives, politics, and strategies of ancient rulers.
Conclusion: A Testament to Cleopatra’s Legacy
The papyrus document featuring Cleopatra’s potential handwriting is more than just an ancient relic; it is a window into her multifaceted role as a ruler. It depicts her not only as a romantic figure entwined with powerful men but also as a strategic leader actively engaged in the political and economic affairs of her kingdom. Whether or not Cleopatra herself penned the final words, “Make it happen!” The document remains a powerful testament to her legacy as a formidable and astute ruler. As new discoveries emerge, our understanding of Cleopatra will continue to evolve, but this papyrus will forever be a significant reminder of her enduring impact on history.
