COIN SHOWS CLEOPATRA’S UGLY TRUTH

BBC News, UK
Feb 14 2007

The images of Antony and Cleopatra are less than flattering Antony and
Cleopatra, one of history’s most romantic couples, were not the great
beauties that Hollywood would have us believe, academics have said.

A study of a 2,000-year-old silver coin found the Egyptian queen,
famously portrayed by Elizabeth Taylor, had a pointed chin, thin lips
and sharp nose.

Her Roman lover, played by Richard Burton, had bulging eyes, thick
neck and a hook nose.

The tiny coin was studied by experts at Newcastle University.

The size of a modern 5p piece (18mm or 0.7in), the artefact from
32BC was in a collection belonging to the Society of Antiquaries of
Newcastle, which is being researched in preparation for the opening
of a new Great North Museum.

Clare Pickersgill, the university’s assistant director of
archaeological museums, said: "The popular image we have of Cleopatra
is that of a beautiful queen who was adored by Roman politicians
and generals.

"Recent research would seem to disagree with this portrayal, however."

The university’s director of archaeological museums, Lindsay
Allason-Jones, said: "The image on the coin is far from being that
of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

"Roman writers tell us that Cleopatra was intelligent and charismatic,
and that she had a seductive voice but, tellingly, they do not mention
her beauty.

"The image of Cleopatra as a beautiful seductress is a more recent
image."

The silver denarius coin would have been issued by the mint of
Mark Antony.

On one side is the head of Mark Antony, bearing the caption "Antoni
Armenia devicta" meaning "For Antony, Armenia having been vanquished".

Cleopatra appears on the reverse of the coin with the inscription
"Cleopatra Reginae regum filiorumque regum", meaning "For Cleopatra,
Queen of kings and of the children of kings".

The university hopes more forgotten treasures will come to light
before the Great North Museum opens in 2009.

The Roman coin is on display in Newcastle University’s Shefton Museum
from 14 February.

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