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Cleopatra VII Philopator was the last Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt, ruling from 51 BC until her death in 30 BC. She was known as a shrewd and highly educated queen, and forged political alliances with Roman leaders such as Julius Caesar and Mark Antony to maintain her power. Antony's defeat by Octavian (later Augustus) at the Battle of Actium (31 BC) ended her reign. After Octavian conquered Egypt, Cleopatra committed suicide—according to legend, by being bitten by an asp—ending Egypt's independence and making it a Roman province. Her son, Ptolemy XV (Caesarion), was named co-ruler but was assassinated shortly afterward, making Cleopatra the last active ruler of Ancient Egypt.