Cleopatra's First Selfie

My name is Cleopatra, and before I ruled Egypt, I was just a princess with a brand-new… well, you wouldn't call it a "phone" back then, would you? Let's just say I had a shiny, magical way to capture moments. I was determined to take the best selfie ever seen in all of Egypt!

A Royal Portrait

I stood in the grand courtyard of our palace in Alexandria. The tall stone walls seemed to stretch into the sky. The sun was super bright, making the shadows dark and mysterious. I made sure my uraeus, that golden cobra crown, was perfectly placed on my head. It wasn't easy being a princess, you know! There were protocols and lots of rules for royalty.

"Smile, Cleopatra!" I whispered to myself, holding my brand-new magical device high. This "selfie" thing was trickier than it looked. I wanted to capture the power of my nemes, the royal headcloth. My best eyeliner was on point, and I was wearing my nice, beaded, royal collar. Everything had to be perfect. This selfie had to show everyone that I was ready to rule one day. If I ever got the chance!

A Sneaky Plan

My older brother, Ptolemy, had other ideas. He thought he should be the only ruler, and I was just a silly little sister. He locked me in my chambers. I thought, "How am I ever going to practice ruling if I am always locked up?"

But I, Cleopatra, was not one to give up easily. I devised a secret plan. It was going to be my boldest selfie yet! A selfie of me taking back my power and being the true ruler of Egypt!

I convinced a loyal servant to help me. We found a big, beautiful carpet. It was long and rolled up tight. We carefully placed me inside. I looked at him, and he whispered, "Are you sure about this?"

I said, "Have faith!" I just hoped that Julius Caesar thought I was a good present. Then I took a mental selfie. I was on my way to ruling Egypt.

Power and the Perfect Shot

It worked! Caesar was so surprised. I had his attention. He knew then I was not someone to be pushed aside. He believed in my cause. And I believed in me. The bold selfie idea was just the beginning of being the most remembered pharaoh ever.

Maybe when I am old, they will say, "She was a powerful queen. A great ruler. Oh, and her selfies were pretty awesome, too!"