This work investigates the historical significance and political influence of the various women named Cleopatra who shaped the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt. J. E. G. Whitehorne, a scholar of classical history, utilizes primary source evidence, numismatic data, and archaeological records to reconstruct the lives of these royal figures. The book argues that the Cleopatras were not merely peripheral figures but active participants in the complex power dynamics of the Hellenistic world.

Reader & Expert Consensus: Scholars frequently cite this text as a reliable reference for understanding the lineage and political agency of the Ptolemaic queens. It is considered a foundational resource for those seeking a detailed historical account beyond the singular focus on the most famous Cleopatra.