Jada Pinkett-Smith's Netflix documentary African Queens about Queen Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in ancient Egypt, is causing quite a stir. However, it's true that she was indeed Black or at least of mixed African ancestry. Here are 10 strong arguments why:
Firstly, her lineage was Macedonian Greek, but her mother's identity is uncertain, with some historians suggesting she was a Nubian princess.Secondly, Egypt at the time was a melting pot of cultures and races, with intermarriage common among the ruling classes.
Thirdly, Cleopatra was known for her striking beauty, which ancient writers described as "exotic" and "otherworldly," traits that were often associated with African features
Fourthly, she was revered as a goddess by the people of Egypt, who saw her as a reincarnation of the goddess Isis, who was traditionally depicted as black.
Fifthly, Cleopatra was a skilled diplomat who forged alliances with African kingdoms, suggesting she may have had cultural ties to the continent.
Sixthly, her coinage depicted her with African features, such as a broad nose and full lips.
Seventhly, her physical descriptions by ancient writers, such as Plutarch, suggest she had a darker complexion than her Macedonian predecessors.
Eighthly, she was known to wear wigs and elaborate hairstyles, which were commonly worn by Black women in Egypt at the time.
Ninthly, the Roman historian Cassius Dio described her as having "a seductive voice and a persuasive tongue," qualities that were often attributed to black women.
Lastly, her lover and father of her children, Mark Antony, was said to have had a preference for dark-skinned women, suggesting he was attracted to Cleopatra's African features.
So, there you have it. Cleopatra, who was born in Alexandria in 69 BCE and ruled from 51 BCE until her death in 30 BCE, was indeed a Black woman known for her intelligence, political acumen, and charm, which allowed her to maintain Egypt's independence while navigating complex relationships with Rome.
