Cleopatra's rise as the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt stemmed from a combination of political acumen and strategic alliances. She skillfully navigated the tumultuous political landscape of her time, leveraging her relationships with powerful Roman figures like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony to maintain her reign. Her intelligence and ability to engage with both Egyptian and Roman cultures played a significant role in her command over Egypt. Cleopatra's ambition and cunning tactics ultimately positioned her as a prominent leader, influencing the course of Egyptian history during her rule.