From what we can tell from the coins and statuary left behind, Cleopatra (aka Cleopatra VII Philopater) wasn't much of a looker. Her nose was a -very- prominent feature, if we're to believe what was left behind in art and in description. She was the product of several generations of Hellenic inbreeding, as a part of the Ptolemaic dynasty.
Given that her dynasty was very outspoken about their inbreeding (following the familial model of the pharaohs, doncha know), I wonder what evidence led this team of scholars to believe she was anything other than Hellenic.
Of course, it's would be a mistake -- even with her Greek background -- to call her "European" or to claim that she had "European" heritage. In the broadest sense, these people -- Egyptian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Carthaginian -- saw themselves as bound by the Mediterranean. The uncivilized barbarians lived in Europe. That may seem like a fine point, but to call her heritage "European" projects a false identity onto her, one dictated by modern national identities and one that she would not have claimed for herself.
Back to Cleopatra herself: What is amazing is the level of intelligence, charisma, and political savvy that she possessed. She was also, in a time that arguably equated good looks more directly with the favor and endorsement of the gods, quite the seducer, despite her plain appearance. She must have been an amazing woman.
Given that her dynasty was very outspoken about their inbreeding (following the familial model of the pharaohs, doncha know), I wonder what evidence led this team of scholars to believe she was anything other than Hellenic.
Of course, it's would be a mistake -- even with her Greek background -- to call her "European" or to claim that she had "European" heritage. In the broadest sense, these people -- Egyptian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Carthaginian -- saw themselves as bound by the Mediterranean. The uncivilized barbarians lived in Europe. That may seem like a fine point, but to call her heritage "European" projects a false identity onto her, one dictated by modern national identities and one that she would not have claimed for herself.
Back to Cleopatra herself: What is amazing is the level of intelligence, charisma, and political savvy that she possessed. She was also, in a time that arguably equated good looks more directly with the favor and endorsement of the gods, quite the seducer, despite her plain appearance. She must have been an amazing woman.