After our "gummy"-asp photo shoot, I've been inspired to bring my wonderful Cleopatra action figure with me wherever I go.Yesterday, it was to the ballet where she showed off her "man-hands" in a lovely fifth-position arm position. Then, because our feisty queen needed to prove that she was way cooler than any other action figure in the room, showed off her … [Read more...] about Cleopatra Action-Figure at the Ballet
Cleopatra & Her Daughter
Cleopatra and the Attack of the Gummy Asp
One of life's little pleasures is receiving an unexpected gift (an expected one is pretty cool too, of course). Imagine, then, my delight when I opened an envelope from my editor, Cheryl Klein, at Arthur A. Levine Books (http://www.arthuralevinebooks.com), and discovered this:Cleopatra Gummy Worms.Score!I immediately pulled out another gift she sent me many moons … [Read more...] about Cleopatra and the Attack of the Gummy Asp
What’s this about Mark Antony Running Around in a Loincloth?
Today, February 15, is the Festival of the Lupercalia or, at least, it would have been if we lived in ancient Rome. In fact, the Lupercalia is often cited as the true origin of Valentine’s Day. But forget about roses and romance. The Lupercalia was all about hot young men pursuing nubile young women with strips of bloody animal skins.Yeah. We’re a long way away from Hallmark, … [Read more...] about What’s this about Mark Antony Running Around in a Loincloth?
Cleopatra’s Daddy Issues
"Dad, seriously. The flute? Really?"Everyone's parents are embarrassing when you're kid. But Cleopatra's dad? Totally cringeworthy.See, her dad played the flute. All the time. In place of ruling. So people called him Ptolemy the Piper, and not in a good way, either. Turns out choosing to play a wind-instrument over taking charge of your kingdom doesn't inspire confidence. … [Read more...] about Cleopatra’s Daddy Issues
Cleopatra Musings: Was Antony Hot?
A Fayum portrait of an unknown man.Let’s be honest. The enduring fascination with Cleopatra centers around her supposed beauty. After all, the thinking goes, she “snagged” two of the most powerful men of her era—Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. She HAD to be beautiful, right? Yet, as I’ve explained in previous posts, the busts and coins bearing her image show her as attractive … [Read more...] about Cleopatra Musings: Was Antony Hot?
