Known for her intelligence, political genius, charm and ambition, Cleopatra’s life was largely shaped by her complex relations with the Roman Empire. An important stop in her adventures was Ephesus, an important Roman city of the period and the capital of the Asia Minor State of the Roman Empire.
Cleopatra’s visit to the ancient city of Ephesus provides a great opportunity to understand the political, economic and cultural dynamics of her time. This visit is much more than just a queen’s tour; it carries deep meanings in political, economic and cultural contexts. Also, can be considered as the catalyst to start turmoil in the Roman Empire on the first century B.C.
Cleopatra was a member of the Ptolemaic Dynasty. This dynasty was founded in Egypt in 305 BC by Ptolemy the first Soter who was one of Alexander the Great’s generals. Cleopatra was ethnically Macedonian Greek and was the last alive pharaoh to rule Egypt. Her family had ruled Egypt for centuries and pioneered the spread of Hellenistic culture in Egypt, which let the transformation of Egypt.
Cleopatra is known as the first Ptolemaic ruler who could speak Egyptian and worshiped Egyptian gods, which makes her more Egyptian than Roman or Greek (Hellenistic). Cleopatra desperately tried to protect Egypt from Roman influence and invasion by holding the throne during the last years of the dynasty and making complicated alliances with the Roman rulers.
Why Did Cleopatra Visit Ephesus?
Cleopatra tried to maintain Egypt’s independence and economic stability by establishing strong relations with the Roman Empire. As the capital of the Roman province of Asia, Ephesus was a pivotal location in diplomatic relations with Rome. In this context, Cleopatra’s visit aimed to establish a stronger alliance with Rome or to strengthen existing relations.
Rome was torn apart by civil wars during her visit. After the death of Julius Caesar, the power struggle between Octavian (later Augustus) and Marcus Antonius was shaping the political map of Rome. Ephesus had a strategic importance in this power struggle.
Cleopatra in Ephesus
During Cleopatra’s time, Ephesus was an important trade and cultural center of the Roman Empire also the city was the capital of Asia Minor State of the Roman Empire. Ephesus’ strategic location made it one of the most critical cities in the eastern regions of Rome. The Roman Empire was in a period of civil war and the balance of power was constantly changing during this period. Ephesus was the port to supply soldiers and supplies to the clashing sides of the Roman Civil War.
It is said that Cleopatra first met Antonius in Ephesus and was welcomed with a magnificent ceremony. This meeting was the beginning of their relationship. During Cleopatra’s visit to Ephesus, she made a large donation to the Temple of Artemis. Some narratives claim that the temple priests treated her like a sacred guest and that Cleopatra used this visit to send a strong message to Rome. Also, it is known that she made a big speech in the Ephesus Grand Theater.
The Assassination of Arsinoe and the Octagon of Ephesus
Arsinoe is known as Cleopatra’s half-sister. Although she and Cleopatra were born from the same father, they were born from different mothers. When their father Ptolemy XII died, Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XIII took over the rule of Egypt. However, a power struggle began between Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII. In this struggle, Arsinoe found the opportunity to form a front against Cleopatra.
In 48-47 BC, when Julius Caesar came to Alexandria, Arsinoe escaped from the palace and became the commander of the Egyptian army. She declared herself Queen as Arsinoe IV and fought against Caesar and Cleopatra.
Ultimately, the Egyptian army led by Arsinoe the fourth was defeated and Arsinoe was taken to Rome as a prisoner of war. However, Caesar did not execute Arsinoe and exiled her to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. Cleopatra always saw Arsinoe as a threat to her rule. In 41 BC, at Cleopatra’s urging, Marcus Antonius ordered Arsinoe executed on the steps of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. This was Cleopatra’s final and most decisive measure against her sister. Legends say that Arsinoe was poisoned by arsenic.
Arsinoe IV is a figure who left her mark on both Roman and Egyptian history during her short life. Although she is overshadowed by Cleopatra, her story is important for understanding the power struggles within the Ptolemaic family and the political upheavals of Egypt’s late Hellenistic period. Arsinoe’s tragic end is a reflection of both political betrayals and the ruthlessness within the dynasty.
An octagon, or monumental tomb, found at an intersection during excavations in the ancient city of Ephesus has attracted the attention of archaeologists. This monument is at the bottom of the Terrace Houses and the opposite side of Latrines in Ephesus. In ancient times, it was forbidden to bury the dead within the city for both hygienic and religious reasons. Of course, significant political figures and heroes were the exceptions to this.
It was understood that the remains found in this monumental tomb located in the city center belonged to a young woman. The similarity of the octagonal tomb to the Egyptian style of architecture which is similar to the lighthouse in Alexandria led researchers to believe that this could be the tomb of Princess Arsinoe, and the examinations confirmed this. After Augustus won the power struggle against Marcus Antonius and became the sole ruler of Rome, he ordered the construction of this monumental tomb, saying that ”The enemy of my enemy is my friend”.
Cleopatra After Ephesus
The alliance between Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius was an important turning point in the Roman civil war. After Ephesus, Cleopatra returned to Egypt and continued the rule of Egypt, trying to keep Egypt in a stronger position in its relations with Rome.
Cleopatra and Antony’s relationship eventually led to their confrontation with Octavian at Actium and their defeat. This was one of the events that brought about the end of Cleopatra’s reign. It is also thought that this visit to Ephesus may have played a role in the planning of this great war.
The alliance forged between Cleopatra and Antony during this period would have profound consequences for the Mediterranean world. It led to a realignment of power in the region, ultimately culminating in the final war of the Roman Republic and the end of Ptolemaic rule in Egypt.
Visit Ephesus with Professional Tour Guide
Cleopatra and Arsinoe left their marks in Ephesus. There is much more to discover in Ephesus. Come and unravel the mysteries of Ephesus with me. Contact me to learn more about Ephesus and to hire a professional, licensed tour guide for Ephesus, Turkey. See you soon, Hasan Gülday.
