For thousands of years, men have written history, so it seems to me that most of what we've read is from the male point of view.

We're talking about, essentially, the Roman historians, who wrote Cleopatra into the story mostly so that they could talk about the rise of Rome. And that is one of the problems, of course, in recounting her life. She's only ever apparent to us when there is a Roman in the room, or when her story intersects with the rise of Rome.

I wouldn't dare to speculate as to Cleopatra's falling in love. Her relationships are too convenient for that.

Stacy Schiff Quotes