HUM 111 Week 8 Assignment 2 {2020} Strayer University | HUM111 Week 8 Assignment 2 {2020} A Grade

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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 wome... n 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]

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