Cleopatra was born into a time when power struggles within her own kingdom of Egypt were magnified with the increasing dominance of Rome. As more and more kingdoms were conquered by the Roman Empire, Cleopatra faced challenges at home in Egypt. When her brother Ptolemy XIII stole the throne from her, Cleopatra knew she had to befriend Rome in order to protect Egypt. Working with Roman general Julius Caesar, she regained control of her empire and served her people well. After Caesar's death, Cleopatra joined with his friend Mark Antony to ensure the preservation of Egypt. Cleopatra is remembered as the resourceful and charming leader of Egypt who helped the kingdom prosper and maintain power at a time when much of the Mediterranean was in turmoil.

Kathryn Waterfield (née Dunathan) is a writer and tour lecturer specializing in Greek history. Formerly with the University of South Florida and the Tampa Museum of Art, Kathryn holds an MA with distinction in classical studies from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. She lives with her husband, classicist Robin Waterfield, in the remote southern Peloponnese in Greece.