Running Head: Wu Zetian & Cleopatra, a comparative research paper
HUM 111 Week 8 Assignment 2 {2020} Strayer
University
Abstract
This paper contrasts the life and accomplishments of two great women in history
(Cleop
...
Running Head: Wu Zetian & Cleopatra, a comparative research paper
HUM 111 Week 8 Assignment 2 {2020} Strayer
University
Abstract
This paper contrasts the life and accomplishments of two great women in history
(Cleopatra of Egypt, and Wu Ze2tian of China). Both were intelligent and powerful
rulers, but their rise to power were not both well-earned in my humble opinion. This
paper looks at the differences in beginnings. Both were born into relative royalty,
however the social and political climates were starkly different.Humanities 111: Week 8 Assignment 2
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-ever most portraits of her accentuate her Nubian heritage. Egypt was
conquered by Ptolemaic rule in 332 BCE. This is almost ten years after the death of
Alexander the Great. Women were instrumental behind the scenes, but not put in place
as contemporary rulers in either time in history.
The backgrounds and quality of life for these women are starkly different. Wu Zhou’s
childhood would have been one of stability and great family status. Cleopatra was a child
during the in-fighting of the first triumvirate as Caesar hunted down his rivals and
consolidated his power. Areas such as Africa, Rome and the areas near Turkey and the
former kingdoms of Alexander the Great came under Roman rule and annexation.
Rulers were forming alliances to stay afloat politically due to the nature of politics in
Rome during this time.
Rise to Power: Play your cards close
Wu Zetian rose to power after a vacuum was created by the death of emperor Taizong.
Tiazong’s reputation with his people had suffered due to infighting in his own courts. He
also was so consumed with the internal matters, other matters within his countryside
fell to the wayside. Additionally, he chose an heir that was weak (Emperor Gaozong).
She (Wu Zetian) was Gaozong’s concubine (mistress), and accused his then wife (The
empress) of plotting to kill their daughter. The daughter had died not long after birth.
Gaozong was very fickle and was not good at making decisions. The emperor’s wife was
deposed, and then executed. Waiting in the wings was Wu Zetian, who was made
empress. She also put in power those close to her and executed many in the empire who
did not see eye to eye with her. Lastly, she put family members in the seats of power so
that power stayed in the family.
Cleopatra’s father Ptolemy XII was betrayed by his own daughter (tried to grab
power) while on a trip to Rome. She was executed due to this. Upon Ptolemy’s passing,
his son Ptolemy the XIII was put in power. Ptolemy XIII and his sister were young and
impressionable. Advisers used them as political pawns, and exiled Cleopatra. HerHumanities 111: Week 8 Assignment 2
5
brother Ptolemy XIII was defeated by Caesar’s army, and Cleopatra was put in power.
Cleopatra’s relationship with Caesar was consummated. A son (Caesarian) was born to
Cleopatra. Cleopatra had her sister executed for the betrayal under Ptolemy XIII’s rule.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
taxes of farmers to win a more favorable place amongst her people. Ideally, she wanted
to move the epicenter of power back to Egypt as Rome’s shadow was cast over all of its
annexes and territories. She was well versed in six languages, and also kept the arts alive
in a period of strife, famines, and uncertainty.
ConclusionHumanities 111: Week 8 Assignment 2
6
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
earned, either by grief or by hard work. Wu Zetian was brilliant, but her seat of power
was grabbed by opportunity and incompetence on the part of other leaders. Some of herHumanities 111: Week 8 Assignment 2
7
achievements I believed help propagandize her leadership. I am all for political gain, but
she mastered it. A true demagogue by virtue and means.
References
From the Strayer resource Library:Humanities 111: Week 8 Assignment 2
8
Newman, Frances, & Stickney. (2015). Cleopatra VII. Salem Press.
Retrieved November 27, 2016, from Biographical Encyclopedia.
Strayer Resource Library
Sanchez, J. (2016). Wu Zetian. Salem Press. Retrieved November 27, 2016,
from Biographical Encyclopedia.
Strayer Resource Library
From our course materials.:
Sayre, H. (2015). The Humanities, Culture, Continuity & Change (Third ed.,
Vol. One). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Current Course materialHumanities 111: Week 8 Assignment 2
9
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
[Show More]
.png)
.png)
.png)
