Product Description

For centuries, the real Cleopatra has been shrouded behind legends and myths. Roman and Greek accounts—the records most widely scrutinized—have portrayed the queen of Egypt as a brazen temptress who corrupted both Caesar and Marc Antony. But was this portrait an accurate one? Cleopatra: The First Woman of Power considers the legendary queen from the perspective of the Egyptians. Their records portray her as a visionary ruler and brilliant strategist, motivated not by wanton lust or greed but a genuine concern for her kingdom. The Egyptians saw Cleopatra as a strong leader who won the loyalty of a distrustful populace, resisted Roman rule for 20 years and amassed a fortune so great that Rome’s interest rates dropped by two-thirds when her treasure was brought there upon her death. This program utilizes re-enactments, original location footage and interviews with leading historians to look behind the legends and shed light on this woman who has captivated generations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #55082 in DVD
• Released on: 2000-08-15
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 50 minutes

Amazon.com
Who was Cleopatra? Most think of a sultry Elizabeth Taylor seducing the Roman Empire through its leaders. But history has been written by the winners, and the successors of the Romans painted her with their own colors. Cleopatra: The First Woman of Power examines her life through contemporary Egyptian sources, from her Greek birth through her canny 20-year rule of Egypt. Anjelica Huston narrates this powerful and thought-provoking film that uses often-funny footage from Hollywood, contemporary shots of the Mediterranean, and interviews with historians to show a strong woman whose nobility survives centuries of slander. The formerly one-dimensional queen lives and breathes for the viewer of Cleopatra: The First Woman of Power. --Rob Lightner