Cleopatra's early life was not just about preparation for rule it was also about survival Her family was riddled with treachery and betrayal siblings plotted against siblings and parents could turn on their children to maintain their grip on power Cleopatra witnessed this firsthand when her father fearing a challenge to his throne had her older sister murdered These experiences while harrowing shaped the young Cleopatra The palace intrigues taught her the nuances of power the necessity of alliances and the inevitability of betrayal They honed her political acumen and steeled her for the challenges that lay ahead
