... forward. Ptolemy improved and constructed new buildings and repaired temples. In 51 BC Ptolemy's health was failing, and he died. In his will he made Ptolemy XIII king at age ten, and at age eighteen, Cleopatra VII Philopater became queen. Cleopatra married her brother, which was common practice to keep the dynasty pure. It was a marriage in name only. Cleopatra ruled for ... guards. They did not see what was hidden beneath the figs. When the guards left, Cleopatra opened the basket and removed the poisonous asp. She carefully arranged herself on her golden sofa and clasping the asp to ...

• Word Count: 3907
• Approx Pages: 16
• Grade Level: High School