
Full text loading...
Tattoos are a powerful and popular form of personal expression embraced by all segments of the population. The Egyptian queen Cleopatra VII (69-30 BC) is frequently seen in modern tattoos. This article explores how Cleopatra is represented in tattoos and what these representations reveal about contemporary notions of gender and identity. The portrayals of Cleopatra can be categorized into four types: the femme fatale, the youthful beauty, the African queen, and the divine pharaoh. Each type reflects different gender beliefs, ranging from challenging traditional female stereotypes to reinforcing conservative roles. Using the perspectives of classical reception studies and gender studies, this study shows how the image of Cleopatra in tattoos is influenced by both ancient and modern perceptions of female leadership.