Cleopatra, the last ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt, died by suicide in August 30 BC at the age of 39. The exact method of her suicide remains uncertain and debated among historians. The traditional and most popular account is that Cleopatra allowed an asp (Egyptian cobra) to bite her, causing a fatal venomous bite. This story is supported by several Roman-era writers such as Suetonius and Cassius Dio, and it fits the symbolism of the asp in Egyptian culture
. However, modern scholars question the plausibility of this scenario, noting the difficulty of smuggling a large cobra into her chambers and the improbability of the snake biting her as intended. Experts from the University of Manchester have argued that the cobra would have been too large to conceal and use as described
. Alternative historical accounts suggest Cleopatra may have poisoned herself using a toxic ointment or introduced poison with a sharp implement like a hairpin. Plutarch, for example, mentions the possibility of her using a hollow implement to scratch her skin and apply poison
. Some scholars also speculate that Octavian, her Roman rival, may have forced or coerced her into suicide, or even that she was murdered, though these theories are less supported by primary sources
. Cleopatra's death followed the defeat of her and Mark Antony's forces by Octavian. To avoid the humiliation of being paraded as a prisoner in Rome, she chose to end her life. After her death, Octavian allowed her and Antony to be buried together properly
. In summary, Cleopatra died by suicide, most likely by poison, but whether this was delivered by an asp bite or another method remains uncertain and debated among historians
