Cleopatra

In 48 BC, Pothinos captures Cleopatra and Apollodorus and strands them in the desert. He later informs Julius Caesar that the queen has fled Egypt, triggering Caesar's involvement in the dynastic dispute. The kidnapping sets off a sequence of political moves that hinge on Cleopatra's fate.

Caesar is prepared to sign an agreement with Ptolemy, but Apollodorus arrives bearing a carpet as a gift for the Roman. When Apollodorus unrolls it, Cleopatra emerges, stunning Pothinos and Caesar alike. Caesar quickly sees through the deception and recognizes Cleopatra's charm as a political instrument.

Cleopatra beguiles Caesar with the riches of Egypt and India, winning him to her side. Caesar declares Cleopatra the sole ruler of Egypt and begins a personal affair with her. The alliance strengthens Cleopatra's grip on the throne and cements Rome's influence in Egypt.

Caesar travels back to Rome with Cleopatra, greeted by the cheers of the masses. However, Rome's mood darkens as Cleopatra's presence fans anxieties about Rome's control over Egypt. The spectacle sows distrust among political rivals.

Caesar goes to the Senate to announce his plans, despite foreboding warnings. He is assassinated on the Ides of March, leaving the future of Rome and Cleopatra's bargain in limbo. Cleopatra and her allies mourn the political upheaval that follows.

Cleopatra is heartbroken by Caesar's death, initially intending to go to him. Apollodorus explains that Caesar did not love her personally, only what she could provide to Egypt. Realizing Egypt's needs, Cleopatra and her advisor return home.

After Caesar's death, Antony and Octavian are named Rome's co-rulers, setting the stage for a power struggle. Antony, dismissive of women, invites Cleopatra to meet with him in Tarsus, intending to bring her back to Rome. Enobarbus warns Antony against the liaison, but he proceeds.

Cleopatra entices Antony with a spectacular barge show, complete with exotic animals and dancers, and he is drawn into her orbit. They sail together toward Egypt, forging a strong bond as their alliance deepens. Cleopatra's mastery of seduction aligns Antony with her cause.

Herod, secretly aligned with Octavian, privately warns Cleopatra that Rome could be appeased if Antony were poisoned and replaced. He also relays the same whispered threat to Antony. Cleopatra is reminded of her duty to Egypt as she weighs dangerous options.

Cleopatra tests a poison on a condemned prisoner to learn its effects, hoping it will deter Antony's enemies. Before any fatal drink, they receive word that Octavian has declared war. The mood shifts as the lovers prepare for a continental conflict.

Antony orders a mobilization, but Enobarbus reveals that his generals and legions have deserted in loyalty to Rome. A brief montage shows the naval fighting culminating in the Battle of Actium. Antony clings to Cleopatra's alliance as all hope turns toward Egypt.

The battle ends with Antony's forces crushed and he is unable to mount a successful defense. Believing Cleopatra has abandoned him for Octavian, Antony kills himself in despair. His death marks a turning point in the fall of his and Cleopatra's power.

Cleopatra sails back to Antony, only to find him dying from his wounds. They reconcile in their final moments, clinging to each other as the political world collapses around them. Their bond persists even as their reign falters.

With the fortress breached and Antony dead, Cleopatra chooses death over exile. She allows a venomous snake to bite her, dying on her throne as Egypt's last true queen. Cleopatra's demise seals the end of an era for the Ptolemaic dynasty.