Cleopatra: Goddess of Egypt, Enemy of Rome

Brooks (Queen Eleanor: Independent Spirit of the Medieval World) argues eloquently, and with a dash of feminist zeal, that Cleopatra's long-standing image as seductress and ``wicked, lustful manipulator'' springs from the volumes of vituperative Roman propaganda written during her lifetime and ignores the few extant records of the queen's ``true accomplishments.'' Accordingly, the rich, action-filled portrait that emerges here of the last Ptolomeic ruler of Egypt is an admiring one: she is charming and erudite, multilingual, a brave warrior, a savvy politician and, above all, a beloved queen dedicated to maintaining Egypt's independence from Rome. Her relationship with Julius Caesar is portrayed as motivated by personal attraction, not political expediency; with Mark Antony, mutual need is said to have led to affection. Avoiding the temptation to tell too much, Brooks demonstrates a keen eye for recognizing the essential components of a compelling narrative. Maps and photographs of statues, paintings and ancient artifacts are included. Ages 11-up. (Nov.)