The Berlin Cleopatra

Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra VII

The Berlin Cleopatra is a Roman sculpture that is believed to depict the famous queen of Egypt, Cleopatra VII. The sculpture is made of marble and dates back to the first century BC. It is notable for its intricate details and lifelike depiction of the queen, who is shown wearing a diadem and a royal robe.

Discovered in an Italian villa along the Via Appia, the Berlin Cleopatra is unique in that it does not conform to traditional depictions of Cleopatra in ancient art, which typically portrayed her as a seductress or exotic foreigner.

Instead, this sculpture emphasizes her regal and intellectual qualities, highlighting her as a powerful leader and stateswoman. Today, the Berlin Cleopatra is housed in the Altes Museum in Berlin, Germany, where it is considered to be one of the most important Roman sculptures in existence.