We may think we know all about Cleopatra. Immortalised in drama, music, art and film as a lover, seductress and Egypt’s greatest queen; the ultimately tragic figure who captivated two of the greatest Romans of the day, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony.

But the real-life story of the Cleopatra VII is even more compelling. She was the last of seven Cleopatras who ruled Egypt before it succumbed to the Roman Empire, all of them powerhouses of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, extraordinary women who kept a close grip on power in the wealthiest country of the ancient world.

Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones makes a welcome return to Monty Lit Fest to share their remarkable story, culminating in the beguiling and tragic legend of the last queen of Egypt.  

Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones is Professor of Ancient History at Cardiff University. He is a specialist in the histories and cultures of Near Eastern and Hellenistic antiquity and champions a global approach to the study of the ancient world. Lloyd has appeared on the BBC, Channel 4, in The Times and other media and on many popular podcasts. He has worked closely with the British Museum on major exhibitions. His previous books include Persians: the Age of the Great Kings and Designs on the Past: How Hollywood Created the Ancient World. Born in Cefn Cribwr, Lloyd now lives in Taffs Well, Wales.