Caesar did not desire a meeting with Cleopatra as a loving admirer, but rather sought the wealth of Egypt and the burning of the Library of Alexandria. However, Cleopatra was preparing to meet Julius Caesar, reminding her handmaiden Charmian that she wanted him as a husband to bear her a son who would rule both Rome and Egypt, making her the queen mother of both nations.

After Julius Caesar's assassination, Antony indulged in his pleasures with Cleopatra in Alexandria, while Octavian amassed warships and soldiers to wage a military campaign that would secure him decisive military victories. According to her plan, Cleopatra sought to rule Rome through this marriage.

Following the Battle of Actium, Octavian emerged as the true victor. Therefore, Cleopatra decided to commit suicide as well, refusing to fall captive into the hands of the Romans to prevent them from displaying her in the Roman marketplace, as they loudly threatened.

On her deathbed, she said:

"I want, as I die, for the Queen of Egypt to remain with her head held high, not a captive in the hands of the Roman enemies." She then brought a highly venomous cobra to her breast, which bit her, and she died quickly. Her husband Antony had committed suicide before her, having been defeated by Octavian, who became emperor of Rome and all of Africa, even the sources of the Nile.