Egyptians believed it was possible to live after death. Those mummified could live immortally in heaven. So far, we have no proof that this tactic towards the afterlife is effective. We can’t say for sure that Tutankhamun is basking in the eternal light of heaven, shrouded in gold, covered in jewels and munching on the finest fruit known to man. Cleopatra may or may not be immortal. Whether or not the Ancient Egyptian royalty are living forever in the promised land, down here, we’ve certainly kept them alive.
We’ve all got a friend who has dressed up as Cleopatra for a fancy dress party, or referenced the Queen of the Nile whilst applying their eyeliner. Countless history lessons and depictions of Cleopatra in film, art, music, gaming and even tattoos, has certainly cemented her immortality on earth. And the longer her eternal soul lives on, the more it has to offer.
Cleopatra’s tale has long been celebrated in film. The 1963 movie Cleopatra was the most expensive of its time, almost almost bankrupting Twentieth Century Fox. Elizabeth Taylor plays a brave, noble, but still absolutely stunning Cleopatra. At this time, the struggle of gender inequality and the woman’s stay at home role is mirrored in the narrative. Taylor’s wiles and glamour, although at times may be driven by her love for Mark Anthony, give her great power, and persuasion - especially when it comes to battle and politics. We see the femme Cleo, doing what she does best.
”Cleopatra” (CC BY-NC 2.0) by Dr Case
As we jump to the 21st century, the Egyptian Queen has taken on a new and exciting persona. She is fighting fit, strong and rugged. In Rome, the 2005 HBO series, there’s blood, bloodthirstiness and even more blood. Cleopatra’s eternal reign in the entertainment industry has brought us the warrior within the Queen. In Rome as well as Xena Warrior Princess, 2000, she’s depicted as just as ruthless and strategic as every other man, a far cry from the 1960s.
With the advancement of technology and globalisation, Cleopatra lives on in medium that, in her day, would seem completely unimaginable. She is immortal through various new and exciting experiences. The Cleopatra video slot game is a traditional Vegas-style casino game but set in Ancient Egypt. Fitting, as the Ancient Egyptians invented maths. Users must not keep the Queen waiting, as three Sphinxes wins players an extra 15 spins. Further gaming advancements include the option to actually hang out with Cleo in your own home using Oculus’ Rift’s the latest virtual reality tech.
“”Cleopatra And Moon”” (CC BY-NC 2.0) by Omegapepper
Known for her astonishing beauty, ruthless battle tactics and more than one risqué love affair - it seems the Queen had it and did it all. It’s no wonder then, that her image and stories live on in the entertainment industry. Not even Queen B has got us this bad - we’re obsessed. She may be gone, but is long from forgotten.
