Was Cleopatra truly black as depicted in the new Netflix series?

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Cleopatra's Ancestry and Depiction in New Netflix Series

The recent Netflix docudrama Queen Cleopatra, which portrays the ancient ruler as black, has ignited a significant debate regarding her true ethnicity. Egypt's antiquities ministry has strongly asserted that Cleopatra possessed "white skin and Hellenistic characteristics," a stance supported by historical artifacts and expert opinions within the country. This official position directly contrasts with the depiction in the Jada Pinkett Smith-produced series, which has drawn considerable criticism and an online petition with over 40,000 signatures accusing the production of historical revisionism.
Official Egyptian Stance on Cleopatra's Appearance

The Egyptian antiquities ministry has publicly declared that Cleopatra VII had "white skin and Hellenistic characteristics." This assertion is based on the interpretation of bas-reliefs and statues of the queen, which the ministry presents as evidence of her European traits. Mostafa Waziri, the head of the Supreme Antiquities Council, has labelled the portrayal of Cleopatra as black as a "falsification of Egyptian history," emphasizing that this viewpoint is rooted in defending the historical record of a significant figure from antiquity.
Historical Context of Cleopatra's Dynasty

Cleopatra belonged to the Macedonian Lagides dynasty, a lineage tracing back to Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Great's generals. Ptolemy founded the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt around 305 BC. This Macedonian Greek heritage is a key point for those who argue against a black African depiction of Cleopatra, as her family originated from Greece and ruled Egypt for nearly three centuries.
Contrasting Depictions and Historical Interpretations

While the current Netflix series has sparked controversy, previous historical interpretations have varied. A BBC documentary from 2009, for instance, suggested that Cleopatra may have had African ancestry, a claim that did not generate the same level of public outcry at the time. The appearance and skin colour of Cleopatra, born around 69 BC, have historically been subjects open to interpretation, with legends often focusing more on her intellect and charm than definitive physical descriptions.

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Was Cleopatra truly black as depicted in the new Netflix series?

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