Cleopatra

Last pharaoh of Egypt

Ancient influential 168 sayings

Sayings by Cleopatra

I have not lived so long to be made a spectacle.

30 BCE — A common paraphrasing of her refusal to be paraded.
Humorous Unverifiable

Antony, I am dying.

30 BCE — Her last words to Mark Antony, as reported by Plutarch.
Humorous Unverifiable

I will not be taken alive.

30 BCE — A common understanding of her resolve against Octavian.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have loved and lost, but I have not been conquered.

Unknown — A romanticized quote often attributed to her, but without direct historical evidence.
Humorous Unverifiable

Let us die as we have lived, with honor.

30 BCE — A sentiment often associated with her final moments, though not a direct quote.
Humorous Unverifiable

I am Isis, and I am the queen of Egypt.

Throughout her reign — Referring to her self-identification with the goddess Isis, a key part of her propaganda.
Humorous Unverifiable

My beauty is my power.

Unknown — While not a direct quote, it reflects her renowned use of charm and appearance in politics.
Humorous Unverifiable

I will make the Romans regret this day.

30 BCE — A hypothetical quote reflecting her defiance, not directly recorded.
Humorous Unverifiable

The asp is my only friend.

30 BCE — A dramatic quote often associated with her suicide, but likely an embellishment.
Humorous Unverifiable

I prefer to die by my own hand than by the hand of my enemies.

30 BCE — A common interpretation of her decision.
Humorous Unverifiable

Egypt will remember me as a queen, not a slave.

30 BCE — A sentiment reflecting her desire for historical legacy.
Humorous Unverifiable

To lose is to learn.

Unknown — A generic philosophical statement not directly attributed to her.
Humorous Unverifiable

I will not allow my children to be used against me.

30 BCE — A possible motivation for her actions, but not a direct quote.
Humorous Unverifiable

I am prepared for anything but dishonor.

30 BCE — A sentiment reflecting her strong sense of pride and status.
Humorous Unverifiable

Let them remember me as I was, a queen.

30 BCE — A hypothetical quote reflecting her concern for her image.
Humorous Unverifiable

The world will know I lived and died a queen.

30 BCE — A dramatic and often quoted sentiment of her final resolve.
Humorous Unverifiable

I have lived a life of glory; I will not end it in shame.

30 BCE — A common interpretation of her motivations.
Humorous Unverifiable

Farewell, my beloved Egypt.

30 BCE — A sentimental quote often attributed to her, but not historically verified.
Humorous Unverifiable

My will is as strong as my kingdom.

Unknown — A hyperbolic statement reflecting her self-perception, not a direct quote.
Humorous Unverifiable

I am a goddess in mortal form.

Throughout her reign — Reflecting her self-identification with divine status.
Humorous Unverifiable