The second season of Netflix’s “African Queens” delves into the story of one of the most iconic figures of antiquity: Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt. With the controversy generated by the casting of a black actress to play Cleopatra, the series became a starting point for discussions about the legendary queen’s true ethnic identity and her cultural heritage. But who was Cleopatra really? And how is her story intertwined with the rich fabric of ancient Africa?
Cleopatra: a queen beyond the boundaries of time
Cleopatra VII Philopator, the last pharaoh of the Ptolemaic dynasty, was born around 69 BC and ruled Egypt during one of the most tumultuous periods in its history. Daughter of Ptolemy XII Auleta, Greek general who ascended the throne of Egypt, and with maternal origins still debated among historians, Cleopatra was a notable figure not only for her legendary beauty, but also for her intelligence, political skills and ambitions of she.
His rise to power occurred amidst family disputes and international conflicts, especially with Rome, the great and continually expanding empire at the time. Cleopatra quickly became a central figure in the political intrigues of the Mediterranean, allying herself first with Julius Caesar and then with Mark Antony in an attempt to secure the independence of her kingdom and expand her influence.
The “Queen Cleopatra” series.
The Netflix series seeks to offer a new perspective on Cleopatra, highlighting aspects of her life and reign that are often overlooked. Through dramatic re-enactments and interviews with expert historians, the audience is taken on a journey through the life of the Egyptian queen, from her rise to the throne to her tumultuous relationships with Roman leaders.
One of the series’ biggest talking points is the portrayal of Cleopatra by a black actress, Adele James, which raises questions about her true ethnicity and cultural identity. While some argue that Cleopatra belonged to a Greek family and was therefore white, others point to the complexity of Egyptian identity and the presence of multicultural influences in ancient Egypt.
The casting controversy and identity questions
The decision to cast a black actress to play Cleopatra was controversial, especially in Egypt, where the queen’s ethnicity is often questioned. Historians and scholars have long debated Cleopatra’s true ethnic origin, with theories ranging from her Greek origins to a possible mix of ethnic heritages.
However, it is important to recognize that ethnic and racial identity in ancient times was not as defined as it is today. Ancient Egypt was a multicultural society, where influences and interactions between different peoples were common. Cleopatra, as ruler of Egypt, was immersed in this multicultural context and her very identity reflected this diversity.
As the Netflix series African Queens transports us through time and space, exploring the lives and legacies of characters like Cleopatra and Nzinga, we are reminded of the richness and diversity of African history. These extraordinary women defied convention, fought against adversity, and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and fascinate the modern world.
Therefore, as we discuss the portrayal of Cleopatra on screen and her true ethnic identity, we must also remember and celebrate the many other African queens whose stories are still told and whose actions still echo through the ages.
The post African Queens: Who was Cleopatra, portrayed in the Netflix series? appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
