The Curse of Cleopatra’s Tomb

The Curse of Cleopatra’s Tomb

Date: From 30 BCE to Present

Story:
For over two millennia, Cleopatra’s tomb has remained hidden—despite ancient claims it was built beside Antony’s in a “royal mausoleum on the Nile.”
Egyptian legends speak of curses tied to the tomb, designed to prevent Roman desecration.
Priests allegedly sealed it with spells and death traps, blending Egyptian rituals with Hellenistic engineering.
Several 20th-century attempts to locate the tomb ended in misfortune: one team’s lead archaeologist died mysteriously, another fell into financial ruin.
Modern excavations at Taposiris Magna, west of Alexandria, hint at chambers that could belong to her.
If found, the tomb might contain scrolls, jewelry, mummified remains—and the final chapter of her saga.
Scholars warn disturbing it could carry symbolic consequences, reviving old Eastern vs. Western legacies.
Whether myth or warning, the “Curse of Cleopatra” has deterred looters—and enticed generations of seekers.
Cleopatra’s story, it seems, isn’t finished. It may be waiting underground.

Key Characters:

Cleopatra VII
Mark Antony
Modern archaeologists
Egyptian priesthood

Reference:

Plutarch, Life of Antony
Kathleen Martinez excavations (Taposiris Magna)
Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities reports