Of all the famous women in history, Cleopatra’s name is the most synonymous with beauty. According to the Greek historian Plutarch, her beauty was “not altogether incomparable, nor such as to strike those who saw her; but converse with her had an irresistible charm, and her presence, combined with the persuasiveness of her discourse and the character which was somehow diffused about her behavior towards others, had something stimulating about it. There was sweetness also in the tones of her voice; and her tongue, like an instrument of many strings, she could readily turn to whatever language she pleased…” Long story short: demeanor and personality go further than even the most artful application makeup. Cleopatra’s confidence and knowledge of style lend her that essential “vainchic” quality that we so admire, because she proves that even a woman who does not fit the most conventional standards of beauty can at least give the illusion of one who far exceeds it. Yet, Cleopatra’s legendary beauty grows with each passing decade. This can be seen in how Cleopatra’s rendition is echoed in every decade through the stage and, eventually, the silver screen. Aside from Shakespeare’s staging of Antony and Cleopatra in 1606, Cleopatra has appeared in theaters at least 45 times and produced on television at least 13 times. Of course, Hollywood has scoured the most beautiful A-list celebrities to play her. We’ve narrowed down the list to four of Cleopatra’s impersonators: Vivien Leigh in 1945, Elizabeth Taylor in 1963, Blake Lively in a 2008 episode of Martha Stewart, or Angelina Jolie in the potential future. Who do you think best represents her??

Sincerely, Aiysha