Did Cleopatra really die of a snake bite: The truth behind the mysterious death of Egypt’s last queen | World News

For centuries, Cleopatra’s death has been wrapped in mystery, drama and legend. Most people know the famous version of this story. Egypt’s last queen reportedly had a deadly snake bite her in her palace after her kingdom fell to the Romans. It is one of the most recurring images in history, appearing in films, paintings, books and TV series for generations. However modern experts now believe the truth may be quite different. Scientists and Egyptologists at the University of Manchester have questioned whether a snake could actually kill Cleopatra and her two servants as ancient stories suggest. Their research reopens one of history’s oldest debates. The story of Cleopatra’s legendary snake bite may not be as convincing as once believed.

Cleopatra’s snakebite mystery still baffles historians

Cleopatra VII was the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt. She died at the age of 39 in 30 BC after her army and that of her ally and lover, the Roman general Mark Antony, were defeated, according to the BBC. Ancient Roman writers claimed that Cleopatra chose to commit suicide rather than surrender to the future Augustan emperor Octavian.According to tradition, Cleopatra arranged for a venomous snake (often described as a viper or an Egyptian cobra) to be smuggled into her tomb hidden in a basket of figs. The snake is said to have bitten Cleopatra and her two loyal servants Charmion and Eras, killing them shortly before the Roman guards arrived.This story has been passed down through the centuries because it is full of drama and symbolism. In ancient Egypt, the cobra represented royalty and divine power. Cleopatra herself was closely associated with the goddess Isis, who was also associated with the symbol of the cobra. Historians believe that this symbolism helped the snake story become more widely accepted over time. The image of Cleopatra calmly accepting the death of the royal snake became part of popular culture. Hollywood movies, stage plays, paintings, and even comedy sketches repeat this scene again and again.

The Centuries-old Mystery of Cleopatra’s Death

Modern experts say there are serious practical problems with this famous story. Researchers at the University of Manchester examined the biological and historical evidence surrounding Cleopatra’s death and concluded that the traditional version is extremely unlikely.One major concern is the size of the snake itself. The Egyptian cobra is a large animal. Experts say they are typically between 5 and 6 feet long and can grow up to nearly 8 feet. It would be difficult for a snake this size to hide discreetly in a basket of figs without attracting attention.Researchers also questioned whether a cobra could actually kill three people in quick succession. Snake bites are unpredictable, according to herpetology experts. Many venomous snakes produce what is known as a “dry bite,” in which little or no venom is injected. Even if the venom is released, death usually takes some time and may involve severe pain, paralysis, and slow physical decline.Andrew Gray, a snake expert at the Manchester Museum, explained that snakes conserve their venom for hunting and defense, National Geographic reported. Because of this, experts believe that a cobra could not have released enough venom to kill Cleopatra and her two servants one after another. These discoveries have caused many historians to reconsider this famous legend.

Possibly the poison killed Cleopatra and not the cobra

Now, some historians believe she may have used an entirely different technique. Ancient texts suggest Cleopatra may have been killed by poison rather than a snake bite.Experts say taking precisely administered poison is safer and more predictable than cobra venom. The ancient Egyptians had detailed medical and botanical knowledge.Some researchers believe Cleopatra may have taken a lethal mixture containing substances such as hemlock, opium or wolfsbane. These poisons reportedly control death faster and more easily than snake venom. German historian Christoph Schaefer proposed such a theory after studying ancient texts and toxicology studies. According to his findings, a combination of plant toxins may explain how Cleopatra and her servants died in a relatively short period of time.The poison theory also avoids the practical difficulties involved in secretly transporting and handling dangerous cobras within the palace.

Roman politics may have shaped the story of Cleopatra’s death

Cleopatra’s death becomes even more mysterious when Roman politics are taken into account. Many of the facts known today about Cleopatra were written by ancient Roman authors who lived many years after the queen’s death. Many Roman writers sympathized with Octavian, who defeated Cleopatra and became Rome’s first emperor.The image of Cleopatra committing suicide with the help of a snake may have been convenient for the victor. Cleopatra eventually became his serious political opponent and a symbol of propaganda. Describing her death as an unusual tragedy may have helped create certain stereotypes among people.Additionally, some historians believe that Cleopatra did not commit suicide of her own free will at all. There is a theory that she may have been ordered to commit suicide by Octavian himself. Of course, this fact cannot be proven without evidence or witnesses.