Cleopatra: Lost and Found?
Cleopatra, John William Waterhouse, 1888 C.E.
Cleopatra was an indisputably accomplished scholar, a wise philosopher, a military genius and a charismatic leader who lived from 69B.C.E to 30.B.C.E. Her unparalleled brilliance contributed to the ancient Queen’s elusiveness both during her lifetime and long after her death. Some may argue that much was lost when Cleopatra (possibly) took her own life and was secretly laid to rest. Still, others may assert that much has been found in the tireless pursuit of this extraordinary figure’s final resting place.
Cleopatra is rumored to have said, “No man will ever find my tomb.” So perhaps it is fitting that the person who has arguably come the closest to discovering her sacred burial site is a woman. Dominican-born Kathleen Martinez is the former lawyer-turned-archeologist who has devoted the past two decades to finding Cleopatra’s tomb. Martinez’s search has focused on the Taposiris Magna, which are ancient ruins outside Alexandria, Egypt.
Martinez and her team recently discovered a 1,305-meter (4,281-foot) tunnel 13 meters (43 feet) underground. According to Martinez, "The excavation revealed a huge religious center with three sanctuaries, a sacred lake, more than 1,500 objects, busts, statues, golden pieces, a huge collection of coins portraying Alexander the Great, Queen Cleopatra, and the Ptolemies". Architects have referred to these tunnels as an engineering miracle, reaffirming the advanced knowledge and incredible craftsmanship of the Ancient Egyptians.
Egyptian tombs provide us with invaluable information about how these ancient people lived, including their religious beliefs, valuable possessions, physical appearances, and funeral rituals. Finding Cleopatra’s tomb has been the mission of many for thousands of years. It is believed that such a discovery would dispel many myths as well as answer questions about how this powerful ruler lived and the manner in which she died.
Cleopatra is a largely misunderstood figure, even today. Most of what we know about her came directly from the Ancient Romans, who considered her an intense rival. Such a fierce enemy should not be considered a reliable source on her life. Considering the Romans’ bias, we must question the depiction of this wise, powerful queen as an evil seductress, even as recently as Elizabeth Taylor’s 1963 portrayal in the film Cleopatra. Focusing on the attractiveness, gender, race or temperament of such a brilliant, successful, and talented leader is disrespectful to the true Cleopatra’s legacy.
It is exciting to consider how close we might be to discovering her final resting place, which if discovered, has the potential to illuminate the world on this incredible woman. Unfortunately, given the vast earthquakes and shifts in the Mediterranean Sea over the past two millennia, it is quite possible that this lost Egyptian ruler will remain hidden from the world for all eternity. However, even if these miraculous tunnels do not end up leading Martinez to the queen, all is not lost. Her invaluable work, along with many who came before her, has enabled the world to discover new ideas, new possibilities and new truths about this extraordinary ancient woman.
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