The character of Cleopatra was molded by several key influences, including her Hellenistic upbringing and political savvy. As the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, her multicultural heritage, being of Macedonian Greek descent, provided her with a unique identity. Her relationships with powerful Roman figures like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony also shaped her political strategies. Cleopatra’s education in philosophy, mathematics, and languages equipped her to navigate complex political landscapes, aiming to maintain Egypt's independence amidst expanding Roman power.