Episode 140: The First Cleopatra - Cleopatra Syra

08/26/24 • 61 min

While the name "Cleopatra" often conjures images of the famed Egyptian queen (Cleopatra VII), we're venturing even further back in time to uncover the captivating story of Cleopatra Syra, Cleopatra I. First, a princess of the vast Seleucid Empire, her life was a tapestry woven with political intrigue, familial strife, and a relentless pursuit of power once she was married off to the Ptolemies as a political pawn. Often overshadowed by her more renowned namesake, Cleopatra Syra's story is an incredible one: resilience, ambition, and the complexities of ruling in a world dominated by men.

Join us on this episode of History for Weirdos as we shed light on this enigmatic figure. We'll explore her pivotal role in the Ptolemaic dynasty, her strategic marriages, and the challenges she faced navigating a court rife with conspiracies and betrayals. From her early years as a pawn in political games to her later reign marked by both triumphs and tragedies, Cleopatra Syra's life offers a fascinating glimpse into the often-overlooked corners of Hellenistic Egypt.

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Sources:

https://www.amazon.com/Cleopatras-Forgotten-Queens-Egypt/dp/1541602927/ref=asc_df_1541602927?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693608195517&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12411698651690026370&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9061109&hvtargid=pla-2290758998283&psc=1&mcid=39fb71c1eb903ff6935d68b67023cfed&gad_source=1&dplnkId=a6dec084-1a72-4f6a-9c37-5ef782d11a26&nodl=1

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cleopatra-I-Syra

https://the-past.com/feature/the-cleopatras-part-1-cleopatra-i-the-syrian/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopatra_I_Syra

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Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: [email protected]

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cleopatra-I-Syra

https://the-past.com/feature/the-cleopatras-part-1-cleopatra-i-the-syrian/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleopatra_I_Syra

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Previous Episode

Episode 139: The Heretic Pharoah - Akhenaten

Get ready for a wild ride back to New Kingdom Ancient Egypt, where we're shining a spotlight on Akhenaten, the pharaoh who turned the religious world upside down. Forget pyramids and mummies - this guy was all about the sun, and he wasn't afraid to shake things up. We'll dive deep into his obsession with the sun god Aten, his audacious attempt to erase the old gods, and the bizarre artistic style that flourished under his rule.

But it's not all sunbeams and rainbows. We'll also explore the backlash against his radical reforms, the mystery surrounding his family life, and the desperate attempts to erase his memory from history. Was Akhenaten a visionary ahead of his time, or just a power-hungry heretic? Join us as we uncover the truth behind this enigmatic pharaoh and his sun-drenched legacy. It's a story so weird, it'll make your head spin faster than a scarab beetle on a hot desert day!

Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: [email protected]

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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Next Episode

(Remastered) Strike It Down!

*Originally released on April 19th, 2020*

Happy Labor Day Weirdos!

Ever heard of a labor strike happening over 3,000 years ago? We bet you haven't! In this episode of History For Weirdos, we're dusting off the ancient papyrus scrolls and taking you back to the reign of Ramses III in 1157 BC. It turns out that even in the grand shadow of the pyramids, workers had their breaking points. Join Stephanie and Andrew as they unravel the tale of disgruntled artisans and laborers who decided to down tools and demand their due. This wasn't just any protest; it's considered the first recorded labor strike in history!

Get ready to explore the surprisingly relatable struggles of these ancient Egyptians who were fed up with delayed rations and unfair treatment. We'll delve into the fascinating details of their daring act of defiance and the unexpected consequences that rippled through the kingdom. It's a story that reminds us that the fight for fair working conditions isn't a modern invention; it's as old as civilization itself. So, buckle up for a time-traveling adventure that will leave you marveling at the resilience and resourcefulness of the world's first strikers!

Thank you for listening Weirdos! Show the podcast some love by rating & subscribing on whichever platform you use to listen to podcasts.

Your support means so much to us. Let's stay in touch 👇

Email: [email protected]

IG/Threads: @historyforweirdos

Website: historyforweirdos.com

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