The Cleopatras

“A colorful history...original and engaging.”

“Entertaining.”

“The latest service performed by the historian Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones is of a higher order: to show that, extraordinary as she was, the sometime consort of Caesar and Antony was not a historic aberration but in fact the last in a long line of formidable queens.”

“Masterful... This is historical drama at its best.”

“A thrilling biography, filled with the imperial ambitions and merciless intrigues of one of world history's most brutal families, the Ptolemy dynasty of Egypt. Llewellyn-Jones’s book places female power at the center through its seven Queen Cleopatras, culminating in the gripping story of the last of the Cleopatras and her alliances with Caesar and Antony. A real treat for those who relish epic histories of family power.”

“We are all familiar with the sensationalized infamy of Cleopatra VII, Octavian’s propagandistic tale told and re-told for centuries in history books and on the stage and screen of a woman who imperiled her people. But there has always been far more to Cleopatra’s story. Llewellyn-Jones's The Cleopatras unlocks the fascinating history of the many queens of her era, taking the reader into the political intrigue, murderous violence, incest, and epic power struggles that marked their dynasty and examining the ways in which these queens somehow wielded power within a deeply patriarchal regime.”

“Llewellyn-Jones’s extensive research on all seven of these intriguing Cleopatras is expertly presented. Highly recommended.”

“Highly readable.”

“Admirably readable, written with verve and a fine feeling for the ancient context of these seven queen Cleopatras and their modern afterlives. The first six are seldom studied, but here, what we can know of them is cleverly related to the seventh, the famous Cleopatra.”

“Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones has produced a vivid account of the history of Egypt under Greek rule. Without sensationalizing, he brings the Cleopatras and their dynasty, the Ptolemies, to life, in all their splendor, power, intrigue, incest, debauchery, and ultimate annihilation.”

“A fascinating and beautifully written look into the complex lives of not one but seven Cleopatras: the ruthless and determined queens who acted as the power brokers of Egypt's Ptolemaic dynasty.”

“Finally! An in-depth biography of not just one, but seven Ptolemaic queens named Cleopatra—and a few more besides.”

“Written in a light and engaging voice, [The Cleopatras] is an enjoyable read…does a commendable job of chronicling a dynasty of complicated women.”

“Offers a comprehensive and readable history…an interesting read that will appeal to anyone looking to find out more about Ancient Egypt, queenship or dynastic history.”

“A fresh and vivid account of the decline and fall of what the ancients retrospectively labelled ‘the Macedonian times’ and what we know as the Hellenistic world.”

“A riveting look at the women behind antiquity’s most recognizable name.”

“In engaging and detailed writing, Llewellyn-Jones tells the stories of all the women, leading up to the myth and legend of ‘the’ Cleopatra.”

“A fascinating look at myriad dynastic dramas that will appeal to readers who want to learn more about the ancient world. This lively recounting of an ancient Egyptian dynasty through a feminist lens is perfect for history students.”

“Throughout, Llewellyn-Jones highlights the queens’ ruthless determination, framing them as women with a developed sense of gender dynamics and of patriarchy’s inequities, whose political project was often—and quite explicitly—to seize power from men. It’s an innovative take on an ancient dynasty.”

“An authoritative portrait of the tempestuous but impressive Cleopatra dynasty.”

“The Cleopatras is a beguiling look at the lives of seven exceptional women, placing them back among history’s rulers and the enticing and fateful life and legend of Egypt’s last Queen.”

“Llewellyn-Jones gives us another gem...vividly resurrects the dynamic world of Hellenistic Egypt, tracing its tumultuous final centuries under these visionary leaders.”

“By acquainting us with these remarkable women, this biography fills in the some of the gaps in the historical record of ancient Egypt.”