Cassius Dio's Characterisation of Cleopatra
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- Category: History: People
- Date Submitted: 01/26/2016 01:10 AM
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Carefully read the following passage from the work of the Roman historian Cassius Dio. In this passage, how does Dio characterize Cleopatra? How does this compare with other ancient written sources you have met in the chapter?
Throughout the passage, Dio gives the impression that he looks favourably upon Cleopatra.
Of her appearance, Dio states that Cleopatra is “most striking”, and has a “surpassing beauty” all within the first half of the first sentence. To say such things so early encourages the reader to believe this is someone to be well liked, it shows Dio’s respect for her physically, and in a time where a representation of her likeness would not have been as widespread, in Rome at around 200 years after her death, Dio is encouraging the reader to look warmly upon her. It is not the description of an enemy.
Dio makes reference to Cleopatra’s character and intellect, he states that she is “brilliant…to listen to” which is a note to say her mind is astute and goes on to her “charming voice”.
He shows that she is wise, that she respects her place in society, by asking for “admission” to Caesar’s presence. This is a move which shows that Cleopatra respected Rome, the rules, traditions and her place. He also shows her intellect by saying she “perfected her schemes” a note which inspires both images of mischief or conniving, but which shows she knows how to use (or turn) any situation to her advantage. This is further supported in that she is mindful of appearance as, when granted admission to Caesar’s presence she “adorned and beautified herself” and appeared “most majestic and pity-inspiring”.
This description of Cleopatra’s character is in stark contrast to some of the ones provided by other historians.
Horace portrays her with the use of “drunk”, and “crazed” (West, 2004, in Fear, 2008, p28) which add to an impression that Cleopatra has no idea what she is doing, and that she was silly to think she could take on the might of Rome. They allude to the...
Throughout the passage, Dio gives the impression that he looks favourably upon Cleopatra.
Of her appearance, Dio states that Cleopatra is “most striking”, and has a “surpassing beauty” all within the first half of the first sentence. To say such things so early encourages the reader to believe this is someone to be well liked, it shows Dio’s respect for her physically, and in a time where a representation of her likeness would not have been as widespread, in Rome at around 200 years after her death, Dio is encouraging the reader to look warmly upon her. It is not the description of an enemy.
Dio makes reference to Cleopatra’s character and intellect, he states that she is “brilliant…to listen to” which is a note to say her mind is astute and goes on to her “charming voice”.
He shows that she is wise, that she respects her place in society, by asking for “admission” to Caesar’s presence. This is a move which shows that Cleopatra respected Rome, the rules, traditions and her place. He also shows her intellect by saying she “perfected her schemes” a note which inspires both images of mischief or conniving, but which shows she knows how to use (or turn) any situation to her advantage. This is further supported in that she is mindful of appearance as, when granted admission to Caesar’s presence she “adorned and beautified herself” and appeared “most majestic and pity-inspiring”.
This description of Cleopatra’s character is in stark contrast to some of the ones provided by other historians.
Horace portrays her with the use of “drunk”, and “crazed” (West, 2004, in Fear, 2008, p28) which add to an impression that Cleopatra has no idea what she is doing, and that she was silly to think she could take on the might of Rome. They allude to the...