Who Was Cleopatra?

Who Was . . . ? Series

by Kathryn Waterfield, Who HQ

Learn all about the truly epic life of one of the most famous women rulers in history! Cleopatra's legacy as a trailblazing leader and political strategist dazzles in this addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Cleopatra was born into a time when power struggles within her own kingdom of Egypt were magnified with the increasing dominance of Rome. As more and more kingdoms were conquered by the Roman Empire, Cleopatra faced challenges at home in Egypt. When her brother Ptolemy XIII stole the throne from her, Cleopatra knew she had to befriend Rome in order to protect Egypt. Working with Roman general Julius Caesar, she regained control of her empire and served her people well. After Caesar's death, Cleopatra joined with his friend Mark Antony to ensure the preservation of Egypt.

Cleopatra is remembered as the resourceful and charming leader of Egypt who helped the kingdom prosper and maintain power at a time when much of the Mediterranean was in turmoil.

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2026

About the author

Kathryn Waterfield (née Dunathan) is a historian specializing in ancient Greek history. She is co-author, with her husband classicist Robin Waterfield, of The Greek Myths: Stories of the Greek Gods and Heroes Vividly Foretold (2011) and Who Was Alexander the Great? (2016). She was a featured speaker during the events surrounding the National Geographic exhibition ‘The Greeks: Agamemnon to Alexander’, in the summer of 2016. Formerly with the University of South Florida and the Tampa Museum of Art, she now works independently and makes her home on an organic olive farm in the southern Peloponnese in Greece.

Reviews

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always learn something new from this series. I wish I had time to read every one. They are quick and they are definitely not just for kids. If the kids read the historical ones before middle school, it will only help them in their social studies and history classes going forward.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting info, but I feel like too much of the book focused on the men surrounding her, and not enough on Cleopatra herself.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting as an introduction to this historic icon.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books.