Cleopatra VII Philopator, commonly known as the "Queen of the Nile," reigned from 51 to 30 BC and is one of history's most famous figures. As the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, she was known for her intelligence, political acumen, and relationships with powerful Roman leaders like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Cleopatra sought to preserve Egypt's independence in a turbulent time marked by Roman expansion. Her legacy is often romanticized in literature and film, contributing to her image as a symbol of beauty and power from ancient history.