The era began when Alexander's general, Ptolemy, took over as ruler of Egypt, becoming King Ptolemy I Soter of Egypt. The line of rule was established in 323 B.C., following the death of Alexander the Great. The last ruler of the Macedonian dynasty, Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator was born around 69 B.C. One of antiquity's most famous rulers, Cleopatra's life inspired William Shakespeare's play Antony and Cleopatra and numerous film dramatizations, most famously a 1963 feature starring Elizabeth Taylor.
During her reign, she forged political alliances and became romantically involved with Roman military leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, until her death in 30 B.C. Cleopatra VII was part of the Macedonian dynasty that took over rule of Egypt in the late 4th century B.C.
