Carley Mederios ’24
“The Whore Queen of Incestuous Canopus”: The Eroticization of Cleopatra VII’s Feminine and Ethnic Identity in Roman Literature and Art
Carley Mederios ’24, History and Classics major
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robin Green, History and Classics
Oral Presentation: Wednesday, April 24, 4 p.m.
The purpose of this paper is to reimagine the narrative of Cleopatra’s life and image prior to the introduction of early imperial Roman perspectives. By reshaping the archetypes associated with Cleopatra, a sharper image appears of the young queen. Including analyses of her medical writings and research done prior to her political rule, it is possible to understand Cleopatra in light of her academic success. When considering her training within the Mauseion, the traditional research center associated with the Library of Alexandria, it becomes clearer how the Egyptian ruler became a shrewd political opponent to the rising power of Rome.
