“While the inbreeding was meant to stabilize the family, it had a paradoxical effect. Succession became a perennial crisis for the Ptolemies, who exacerbated the matter with poisons and daggers. Intermarriage consolidated wealth and power but lent a meaning to sibling rivalry, all the more remarkable among relatives who routinely appended benevolent-sounding epithets to their titles.”
This book delves into the life of Cleopatra VII, the last Pharaoh of Egypt, examining her rise to power, her political and romantic alliances, and her eventual downfall. It provides an in-depth look at her reign, her interactions with Roman leaders, and her cultural impact. more
Stacy Schiff is an American author renowned for her biographical works. Born on October 26, 1961, in New York, she graduated from Harvard University and later obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University. Schiff's writing style is distinctive, and she excels at delving into the lives and achievements of historical figures. Her works have won numerous literary awards. more
“Love is a god," Emilia said. "Marriage is but words.”
“Maybe I hold on for too long, but maybe you don’t hold on for long enough?”