FAQ – Stephanie Dray

Would Cleopatra Selene Really Have Considered Herself Egyptian?

March 3, 2014

Cleopatra Selene is unlikely to have dressed like this...

One of the criticisms sometimes leveled at my Nile series is that because the Ptolemaic Dynasty considered itself Macedonian, the emphasis I place on Egyptian culture–and Cleopatra Selene’s awareness Continue reading →

Why Do You Hate Ancient Romans So Much? (And Other Frequently Asked Questions)

February 23, 2012

A few years ago, I was enraptured by the life story of a nine year old Egyptian princess who was taken prisoner by the Romans, dragged through the streets in chains, and yet went on to be the most powerful Continue reading →

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My Choices in Song of the Nile

February 2, 2012

The life of Cleopatra Selene is a story so unlikely that magic sometimes seems like the only explanation.

But that isn’t why I chose to include magical realism in my book. I included my heroine’s ability to commune with her Continue reading →

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Entertainment in the Court of Juba II & Cleopatra Selene

June 13, 2011

Cross-posted from: Unusual Historicals Blog

Entertainment in the ancient world relied upon trained performers. Such training didn’t come cheap, so royal patronage was highly sought after by would-be entertainers. The most prestigious patronage to secure in the Augustan Age was, Continue reading →

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Born to the Purple

October 28, 2010

Today we say the rich are born with silver spoons in their mouths. In the ancient world, they said the wealthy were born to the purple. This phrase alludes to the royal robes dyed with a precious shade of Continue reading →

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