One of the most controversial and scandalous queens in history, Cleopatra VII of Egypt, famously married not just one, but two of her brothers. Cleopatra was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which ruled Egypt for nearly 300 years following the death of Alexander the Great.

As a way to maintain control and power within the royal family, it was not uncommon for siblings to marry each other in ancient Egypt. Cleopatra first married her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, when she was just 18 years old. However, their marriage was tumultuous, and Cleopatra was eventually overthrown and exiled by her brother-husband.

Undeterred, Cleopatra sought the support of Julius Caesar, the powerful Roman general, and politician. She famously seduced Caesar and bore him a son, Caesarion, solidifying her alliance with Rome. After Caesar's assassination, Cleopatra aligned herself with Mark Antony, another Roman general, forming a political and romantic partnership with him.

Despite already being married to Octavia, the sister of Octavian, Antony's alliance with Cleopatra caused a rift between him and Octavian, leading to the famous Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Cleopatra and Antony were defeated, and rather than face capture and humiliation, they both chose to commit suicide.

Cleopatra's relationships with her brothers and her alliances with powerful Roman men were just a few of the many scandalous episodes in her life. Her story has been immortalized in art, literature, and film, solidifying her status as one of history's most fascinating and enigmatic figures.

For more information on Cleopatra and her relationships with her brothers, you can visit History.com or Britannica.

Sign Up