Cleopatra

In ancient Egyptian lore, countless stories revolve around Cleopatra, the powerful queen. Historically, there were six Egyptian queens named Cleopatra, but the most renowned, whose tales resonate to this day, is Cleopatra VII Philopator, the last queen of Egypt before its fall and integration into the Roman Empire.

Numerous stories and legends about Cleopatra VII abound today, as she was a female pharaoh of exceptional intellect and political courage. She skillfully used her charm and cunning to further her interests when facing the expanding power of the Roman Empire. Her captivating beauty also allowed her to firmly win over Roman generals Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

However, not all aspects of her history are entirely clear. But prominent narratives include those of her food, beauty, love, and demise. In this article, we will focus on Cleopatra's food.

Lavish Feasts at Cleopatra's Table

Legends surrounding Cleopatra's food often relate to extravagance. It's said that each time she dined, her table setting would be grand, akin to a festive celebration. On one occasion, she reportedly commanded her chefs to prepare a meal valued at ten million Sesterces, equivalent to 800 kilograms of gold.

Ingredients and the Queen's Preferred Dishes

Ancient Egyptian cuisine featured a diverse array of ingredients, influenced by the fertile lands surrounding the Nile River. Thus, common staple foods included bread, barley, onions, figs, dates, beans, and various vegetables, all products of the region's agriculture. As for meat, in addition to fish from the Nile, Egyptians commonly consumed wild game such as ostriches, pigeons, ducks, geese, rabbits, hedgehogs, mice, sheep, deer, and cattle.

Among the diverse dishes, Cleopatra was said to particularly enjoy stuffed pigeons with seasonal vegetables, as well as bean soup and barley soup to start her meals. These would be followed by lamb and fish from the Nile, and concluded with delicious desserts made from figs and nuts drizzled with honey.

No grand meal would be complete without beverages. The primary drinks on Cleopatra's table were fine honey wine and beer made from barley. Both beverages were considered luxurious in that era, often reserved for special occasions and celebrations.

As the queen of a prosperous kingdom, Cleopatra had access to a wide variety of fresh produce, fruits, and exotic foods. With the Nile River nearby, she could also enjoy seafood year-round, including shrimp, shellfish, crabs, fish, and more.

Each of Cleopatra's feasts typically featured a wide array of dishes seasoned with exotic spices and herbs. Her chefs were renowned as culinary experts, skillfully blending various ingredients like coriander, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, and mint to create unique flavors for each dish for their beloved queen.

Culinary Legacy from Ancient Egypt

Cleopatra's favorite foods offer a glimpse into the opulent world of ancient Egyptian civilization, reflecting the grandeur and prosperity of the kingdom at that time. While we may never truly experience the exact tastes Cleopatra savored, many of the cultural aspects from that era endure to this day, offering us opportunities to study and learn.