Was Cleopatra Black? A New Netflix Series Is Reviving an Old Controversy.

The article discusses the ongoing debates surrounding Cleopatra's racial identity, particularly in light of the recent Netflix docudrama "Queen Cleopatra," which features a Black actress in the titular role. Scholars, including Egypt's leading archaeologist Zahi Hawass, assert that Cleopatra was of Macedonian Greek descent, while some modern discussions reflect contemporary views on race that are anachronistic when applied to ancient contexts. The article emphasizes that Cleopatra's ancestry remains partially unknown, particularly regarding her mother and grandmother, and highlights the complexities of ancient identity that resist modern racial classifications. Experts argue that understanding how ancient peoples viewed their ethnicities is crucial for a more accurate historical perspective. [Extracted from the article]