Cleopatra stood out among the Ptolemaic rulers for her dedication to learning Egyptian, a language that was not commonly studied by others, particularly Greek speakers. Despite the challenges of mastering Egyptian, she made a concerted effort to engage with the culture and the populace of her kingdom. This commitment was significant given that she ruled over a diverse population of about 7 million people.
Her determination to learn Egyptian set her apart as a ruler, making her the first Ptolemy to take such an initiative. This effort not only demonstrated her willingness to connect with her subjects but also highlighted her unique approach compared to other rulers of her time, as most were content to speak Greek. Cleopatra’s linguistic endeavors reflect her desire to unify her reign and establish a stronger bond with her people.