Get ready to rewrite history with me as we dive into The Cleopatras, the Forgotten Queens of Egypt by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones. Of course, Cleopatra is immortalized in our culture in books and movies, as shown in this little ditty:
Cleopatra was the queen of Egypt.
She lived way back in the early times.
And what a time she had ...
- Mae West, My Little Chickadee (1940)
As noted in our core book: “Mae West's succinct summation of the life of Cleopatra focuses, naturally, on the queen's infamy—something that Mae West knew all about (her co-star W.C. Fields, incidentally once described West 'a plumber' idea of Cleopatra).” Putting aside the glamorous and amorous Elizabeth Taylor version (we’ll see her movie in week 10), Cleopatra wasn’t just one iconic queen, she was the seventh in a dynasty of brilliant, trailblazing women who ruled ancient Egypt! From Cleopatra I “Syra” (193–176 BCE) to the legendary Cleopatra VII (51–30 BCE), this book uncovers the stories of all seven Cleopatras, revealing their cunning, strength, and influence in a male-dominated world.
In our SDG, we’ll explore Llewellyn-Jones’s vivid biographies, diving into their political triumphs and personal struggles through dynamic discussions. With detailed genealogical charts, maps, and a rich bibliography, we’ll unpack how these queens shaped an empire. To bring their world to life, we’ll watch a captivating documentary about Cleopatra, packed with expert insights and stunning visuals, alongside other media like Egypt’s Sunken City: A Legend Is Revealed (available on platforms like Kanopy or YouTube), which explores the submerged ruins of Alexandria linked to Cleopatra’s era. These films will immerse you in the sights and sounds of ancient Egypt, sparking lively conversations and fresh perspectives.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious, join us to celebrate these forgotten queens and their enduring legacy! Sign up now and let’s uncover the secrets of Egypt’s most powerful women together! As our author notes her life played out like a soap opera!
Week One. Introduction and chapters 1, 2
Week Two. Egypt's Sunken City Documentary
Week Three. Chapters 3,4
Week Four. Chapters 5-7
Week Five. Chapters 8-10
Week Six. Chapters 11,12
Week Seven. Chapters 13-16
Week Eight. Chapter 17 and epilogue
Week Nine. Cleopatra Documentary
Week 10. Cleopatra Movie
The Cleopatras, the Forgotten Queens of Egypt, Lloyd LLewellyn-Jones, Basic Books, NY, NY, 2024