---
title: Cleopatra Selene II
author: Arienne King
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_Selene_II/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Cleopatra Selene II

_Authored by [Arienne King](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/ava.spartan.117/)_

[Cleopatra](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/cleopatra/) [Selene](https://www.worldhistory.org/Selene/) II (40 - c. 5 BCE) was a member of the [Ptolemaic Dynasty](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemaic_Dynasty/) who became the queen of [Mauretania](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mauretania/) upon her marriage to King [Juba II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Juba_II/) of Numidia (48 BCE - 23 CE). Though more obscure than her famous mother, [Cleopatra VII](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_VII/) (69-30 BCE), Cleopatra Selene II was a capable and respected ruler in her own right. She is considered one of the last great queens of the [Hellenistic period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/), part of a long tradition of powerful [women](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/women/) that included [Arsinoe II Philadelphus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Arsinoe_II_Philadelphus/) (l. c. 318/311 - c. 270/268 BCE).

Cleopatra Selene II and her twin brother [Alexander Helios](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_Helios/) (40 - c. late 1st century BCE) were the children of the [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) triumvir [Mark Antony](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mark_Antony/) (83-30 BCE). Cleopatra Selene II’s contemporaries claimed that she was her mother’s equal in charm and intelligence and that she surpassed her in beauty. Much of Cleopatra Selene II’s early life was spent in [Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/alexandria/), [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/). After [Augustus](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) (r. 27 BCE - 14 CE) conquered Egypt in 30 BCE, he took Cleopatra Selene II and her brothers back to [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/) as his captives. Cleopatra Selene II was fostered by Augustus’ sister [Octavia Minor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Octavia_Minor/) (69-11 BCE) in Rome. She married Juba II of Numidia c. 25 BCE, and they permanently moved to Mauretania.

### Early Life & Ancestry

Cleopatra Selene II and her twin brother [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/) [Helios](https://www.worldhistory.org/Helios/) were born in Alexandria, Egypt in 40 BCE. They were the first of three children born to the Roman statesman [Mark](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Mark/) [Antony](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mark_Antony/) and the Ptolemaic [Egyptian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Egyptian/) queen Cleopatra VII. Through her mother, Cleopatra Selene II was of [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) heritage, descended from the Ptolemaic ynasty of Egypt. On her father’s side, Cleopatra Selene II was descended from the Antonii, an aristocratic Roman family that traced its roots to the establishment of the [Roman Republic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Republic/).

Antony was forced to leave Egypt shortly before their birth to attend to matters in [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/). In 40 BCE, Mark Antony married [Octavia](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Octavia/) Minor, the sister of his rival [Octavian](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) (the future Augustus). Cleopatra Selene II and her brother were raised by their mother in Alexandria with their half-brother [Caesarion](https://www.worldhistory.org/caesarion/) (47-30 BCE), the illegitimate son of [Julius Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Julius_Caesar/).

### Donations of Alexandria

Cleopatra VII travelled to [Antioch](https://www.worldhistory.org/Antiochia/) in 37 BCE to meet with Antony, bringing her children in tow. This was the first time that the three-year-old Cleopatra Selene and Alexander Helios had ever met their father. Antony likely gave them their surnames of Helios and Selene at this meeting. Cleopatra Selene II’s surname was likely inspired by Cleopatra Selene I of [Syria](https://www.worldhistory.org/syria/) (r. 82-69 BCE), a [Seleucid](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/) monarch of Ptolemaic descent. Her brother was named after the sun [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) Helios, whose sister was the moon goddess Selene. Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII’s third and youngest child [Ptolemy](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Ptolemy/) Philadelphus was born later that year.

[ ![Silver Tetradrachm Portraying Antony and Cleopatra](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/8292.jpg?v=1758794225) Silver Tetradrachm Portraying Antony and Cleopatra Sailko (CC BY) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8292/silver-tetradrachm-portraying-antony-and-cleopatra/ "Silver Tetradrachm Portraying Antony and Cleopatra")Between 36 and 34 BCE, Mark Antony reorganized the eastern [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/), distributing large territories among his children by Cleopatra in the process. At the Donations of Alexandria in 34 BCE, Cleopatra Selene II was made queen of Cyrene (encompassing part of modern-day Libya) as well as parts of Crete. This was mostly symbolic, as her mother Cleopatra VII was the de facto ruler of these territories. Alexander Helios was betrothed to the Armenian princess [Iotape](https://www.worldhistory.org/Iotape/), but Antony made no such arrangements for Cleopatra Selene II. Given her young age, a betrothal was not yet a priority for her parents.

### [Conquest](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) of Egypt

After the Donations of Alexandria, the conflicts between Octavian and Antony escalated until Octavian convinced the [Roman Senate](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Senate/) to declare [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) with Egypt in 32 BCE. This conflict, known as the Final War of the Roman Republic, ended with the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra at the [Battle of Actium](https://www.worldhistory.org/Battle_of_Actium/) in 30 BCE. With defeat imminent, Cleopatra made overtures with Octavian to negotiate for her life and the lives of her children. Keenly aware of his advantage, Octavian refused to make any guarantees prior to his subjugation of Egypt in the summer of that year. After the conquest of Egypt, Cleopatra Selene II and her brothers were left orphaned as both of their parents committed suicide.

Before her [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/), Cleopatra VII made arrangements to send Caesarion to [India](https://www.worldhistory.org/india/), and her remaining children, including Cleopatra Selene II, were sent further into Egypt, where they would be out of the reach of Octavian. Cleopatra Selene II’s older brother Caesarion was nominally king of Egypt for a few days after Octavian captured Alexandria but was executed by Roman soldiers while attempting to flee the country.

### Life in Rome

Cleopatra Selene II and her remaining brothers were taken by Octavian who brought them to Rome. Ptolemy Philadelphus likely perished before reaching Rome, as only the twins were paraded as captives in Augustus’ [Roman triumph](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Triumph/). The pair were dragged behind an effigy of their mother committing suicide by clutching an asp to her breast.

> With a huge pomp of triumphs, Augustus entered Rome, and led before his [chariot](https://www.worldhistory.org/chariot/) the children of Cleopatra, the Sun and the Moon. (Eusebius, *Chronicle* 2.140, transl. Roger Pearse and friends)

Augustus relented in his treatment of them after the [triumph](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Triumph/), having taken the opportunity to show them off as prisoners of war. Rather than treating the twins as prisoners, Augustus cared for both as though they were his own family. He gave custody of them to his sister Octavia Minor, who raised them with her own biological children. Alexander Helios disappeared from the historical record almost immediately after arriving in Rome. It is assumed that he too died at a young age, leaving Cleopatra Selene II as the only living descendant of Cleopatra VII.

[ ![Cleopatra Selene II, Boscoreale](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/10576.jpg?v=1599154202) Cleopatra Selene II, Boscoreale Hervé Lewandowski (Copyright) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10576/cleopatra-selene-ii-boscoreale/ "Cleopatra Selene II, Boscoreale")Cleopatra Selene II’s upbringing in the household of Octavia meant that she was raised among relatives, including many of her paternal half-siblings. Little is known of this portion of Cleopatra Selene II’s life, besides the fact that it was comfortable. Octavia ensured that all royal children in her household received an education of the highest quality and that suitable marriages for them were arranged.

### Marriage to Juba II of Numidia

While living in the house of Octavia, Cleopatra Selene II met her future husband Juba II. As an infant, Juba II had been taken hostage by [Julius](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Julius/) [Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/caesar/) (100-44 BCE) and was raised by Caesar’s family. The teenage Juba II was residing in Octavia's household when Cleopatra Selene II was brought to the [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/). Juba II and Cleopatra Selene II grew up together for a time in the household of Octavia.

The two immediately had a lot in common. Both were young royals orphaned by Roman conquest and effectively exiled from their homes in North [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/). They also shared a passion for [Hellenistic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/) [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/) and intellectual pursuits. By the 20s BCE, Juba II was already a notable scholar in the fields of history and geography. Cleopatra Selene’s influence on Juba II’s work has been noted, particularly in regards to his scholarship on African history and geography. When Cleopatra Selene II came of age around 25 BCE, Octavia arranged a wedding between them. This match was orchestrated with the approval of Augustus, who sought to marry each of them to a dynast of equal status.

[ ![Marble Bust of Juba II](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/10503.jpg?v=1599152403) Marble Bust of Juba II Orf3us (CC BY) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10503/marble-bust-of-juba-ii/ "Marble Bust of Juba II")### Queen of Mauretania

Upon their marriage, Augustus appointed Juba II and Cleopatra Selene as client-kings of western Numidia and Mauretania, a wealthy region in northwest Africa. Mauretania was wholly unorganized at the time; its previous two monarchs had died by 31 BCE after years of fighting bitterly over the country. Rome was too preoccupied to pay much attention to the region, so Augustus turned it over to Juba II and Cleopatra Selene II as a dowry. After their wedding, the two left Rome and moved to the city of Iol, Mauretania. The city was in decline when Cleopatra Selene II and Juba II arrived, and they set to work lavishly rebuilding it. They re-established Iol as their new capital, renaming it [Caesarea](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Caesarea/) in honour of Augustus.

The new city was laid out on a Roman grid plan, which was both efficient and aesthetically rewarding. Expensive public works, such as a [gymnasium](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gymnasium/), [Roman baths](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Baths/), and a [theatre](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/theatre/) were constructed to promote Roman culture in the city. Cleopatra Selene II’s reign brought a decidedly Greco-Egyptian flavour to Mauretania, adding to the already cosmopolitan local culture which was influenced by [Berber](https://www.worldhistory.org/Berbers/) and Phoenician rulers. These Mediterranean influences were especially apparent in the two major [cities](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/), Caesarea and Volubilis.

[ ![Map of the Kingdom of Mauretania](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/10796.jpg?v=1721069651) Map of the Kingdom of Mauretania Arienne King (CC BY-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10796/map-of-the-kingdom-of-mauretania/ "Map of the Kingdom of Mauretania")Greek art and architectural designs mingled with Roman design, in a blend that characterized the cultural landscape of much of the Mediterranean during the 1st century BCE. Motifs of [Egyptian architecture](https://www.worldhistory.org/Egyptian_Architecture/) such as sphinxes and block statues are apparent in 1st-century BCE Mauretania. Genuine [Egyptian art](https://www.worldhistory.org/Egyptian_Art/), such as statuary dating from as far back as Thutmose I (r. 1504-1492 BCE), was imported to decorate the cities. A great library, modelled after the [Library of Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/Library_of_Alexandria/), was established in Caesarea as a testament to the new dynasty’s focus on cultural achievement. Cleopatra Selene II brought over scholars and freedmen who had served the Alexandrian royal court, including poets and physicians. All of this added to the intellectual milieu of Caesarea, which was rapidly becoming a cultural hub.

Under the auspices of the [Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Empire/), which now spanned the Mediterranean, the Kingdom of Mauretania was relatively prosperous. Mauretania’s populace began farming more intensively, and [trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/) increased. Mauretania soon became famous for the exportation of goods like timber, grain, and [Tyrian purple](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tyrian_Purple/) dye. A lighthouse was constructed in the harbour of Caesarea for this trade, imitating the famous [Lighthouse of Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/Lighthouse_of_Alexandria/), one of [the Seven Wonders](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Seven_Wonders/) of the Ancient World.

### Ptolemaic Continuity

Cleopatra Selene II styled herself as a Ptolemaic monarch, the successor of her mother. Her decision to be styled as "Cleopatra, daughter of Cleopatra" proudly displayed her Egyptian heritage. Portraits of Ptolemaic aristocrats and rulers were added to the art collections of the Mauretanian royal court, alongside depictions of the royal family themselves. Cleopatra Selene II’s determination to pay homage to her mother’s legacy was in defiance of Augustan policy, which generally portrayed Cleopatra VII as an enemy of Rome. Despite the prevailing Roman hostility to the Ptolemaic Dynasty at the time, she carved out a space for Ptolemaic court culture to flourish in Mauretania.

[ ![Crocodile Denarius of Cleopatra Selene II](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/11451.jpg?v=1618564510) Crocodile Denarius of Cleopatra Selene II Roma Numismatics, Ltd (Copyright) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/11451/crocodile-denarius-of-cleopatra-selene-ii/ "Crocodile Denarius of Cleopatra Selene II")The Mauretanian court was bilingual during this time, with both Latin and Greek in official use. On coins portraying both Juba II and Cleopatra Selene II, Cleopatra Selene II’s legend is written in Greek while Juba’s is written in Latin. She appears on coins as '*Kleopatra basilissa'* (Greek for 'Queen Cleopatra'), echoing the titles used by her mother and forebearers. Some coins from her reign feature Egyptian iconography such as crocodiles, sistrums, and the rearing cobra (*uraeus*) which symbolized Egyptian kingship. Cleopatra Selene II gave birth to a son, [Ptolemy of Mauretania](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_of_Mauretania/), around 10 BCE. By naming him in the tradition of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, she helped to cement the continued legacy of her mother’s family.

### Death & Legacy

The exact circumstances of Cleopatra Selene II’s death are unknown, but it is likely that she died of natural causes. After her death, she was buried in the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania in modern-day Cherchell, Algeria. The Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania was constructed by Juba II and Cleopatra Selene II to house themselves and their future descendants. The structure bears many architectural similarities to the [Mausoleum of Augustus](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/657/mausoleum-of-augustus/).

[ ![Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/9093.jpg?v=1618759802) Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania Lamine Bensaou (CC BY-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9093/royal-mausoleum-of-mauretania/ "Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania")Controversy exists surrounding the exact date of Cleopatra Selene’s death, which is not recorded. Her death is usually dated to around 5 BCE, as a funerary epigram by Krinegoras of Mytilene, if taken literally, implies that her death coincided with a lunar eclipse. Several other lunar eclipses occurred between 9 BCE and 14 CE, which makes dates based on the lunar eclipse theory uncertain.

> The moon herself darkened as she rose at nightfall and veiled her mourning with night,
> On seeing her graceful namesake Selene setting breath-bereft into gloomy [Hades](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hades/);
> With her she had shared the beauty of her light and with her death she mingled her darkness. (Krinegoras, *Greek Anthology* 7.633, transl. Maria Ypsilanti)

Juba II married Glaphyra of Cappadocia sometime before 6 CE, by which time Cleopatra Selene II had most likely died. Some historians have put forth alternate interpretations, including the possibility that Cleopatra Selene II and Juba II were divorced sometime before his marriage to Glaphyra, or that Juba II ignored Roman tradition and engaged in polygamy as his Numidian predecessors had. Coins portraying Cleopatra Selene II, and others portraying both her and Juba II, have been found in a [coin](https://www.worldhistory.org/coinage/) hoard dating to 17 CE. The discovery of these coins raised the possibility that Cleopatra Selene II lived as late as 17 CE. However, they were in all likelihood a posthumous minting commemorating her reign, perhaps in connection to the succession of her son Ptolemy of Mauretania. Cleopatra Selene II’s lineage lived on through her son Ptolemy of Mauretania (r. 20-40 CE).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## Bibliography

- [Duane Roller. *Cleopatra’s Daughter and Other Royal Women of the Augustan Era.* Oxford University Press, 2018.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0415754062/)
- [Günther Hölbl & Tina Saavedra. *A History of the Ptolemaic Empire.* Routledge, 2000.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0415234891/)
- Michèle Coltelloni-Trannoy. *Le royaume de Maurétanie sous Juba II et Ptolémée.* CNRS éditions, 1997
- [Roller, Duane W. *The World of Juba II and Kleopatra Selene.* Routledge, 2015.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0415754062/)
- [Salisbury, Joyce E. *Encyclopedia of Women in the Ancient World.* ABC-CLIO, 2001.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1576070921/)
- [Ypsilanti, Maria. *The Epigrams of Crinagoras of Mytilene.* Oxford University Press, 2018.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0199565821/)

## About the Author

Arienne King is a writer and historical consultant specializing in Ptolemaic Egypt and classical antiquity. She has written for publications such as BBC's HistoryExtra and Ancient History Magazine.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arienne-king-430418180)

## Timeline

- **40 BCE**: [Alexander Helios](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_Helios/) and [Cleopatra Selene II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_Selene_II/) are born.
- **40 BCE - c. 5 BCE**: Life of [Cleopatra Selene II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_Selene_II/).
- **34 BCE**: The Donations of [Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/alexandria/), an elaborate coronation ceremony in which [Caesarion](https://www.worldhistory.org/caesarion/) and [Alexander Helios](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_Helios/) were named King of Kings and their mother [Cleopatra VII](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_VII/) was named Queen of Kings, took place in the [Egyptian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Egyptian/) capital.
- **1 Aug 30 BCE**: After [Octavian](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) has declined to negotiate, [Cleopatra](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/cleopatra/) reportedly commits suicide; [Mark Antony](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mark_Antony/) stabs himself, only later finding Cleopatra still lives, and dies.
- **29 BCE**: [Cleopatra Selene II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_Selene_II/) and her brother [Alexander Helios](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_Helios/) are paraded in [Augustus](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/)' [Roman triumph](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Triumph/).
- **25 BCE**: [Juba II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Juba_II/) marries [Cleopatra Selene II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_Selene_II/).
- **c. 25 BCE - 23 CE**: [Caesarea](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Caesarea/) [Mauretania](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mauretania/) is lavishly rebuilt and expanded during the reigns of [Juba II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Juba_II/) and [Cleopatra Selene II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_Selene_II/).
- **c. 10 BCE**: [Ptolemy of Mauretania](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_of_Mauretania/) is born to [Juba II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Juba_II/) and [Cleopatra Selene II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_Selene_II/).

## Cite This Work

### APA
King, A. (2021, April 06). Cleopatra Selene II. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra\_Selene\_II/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_Selene_II/)
### Chicago
King, Arienne. "Cleopatra Selene II." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 06, 2021. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra\_Selene\_II/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_Selene_II/).
### MLA
King, Arienne. "Cleopatra Selene II." *World History Encyclopedia*, 06 Apr 2021, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra\_Selene\_II/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_Selene_II/).

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Arienne King](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/ava.spartan.117/ "User Page: Arienne King"), published on 06 April 2021. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.