Petitions to Ban Screenings Continue in Egypt
Consensus That Cleopatra Was a White Woman of Greek Descent
The Egyptian government has officially stated that Netflix's documentary 'Queen Cleopatra,' which depicts Queen Cleopatra VII as Black, distorts history.
On the 27th (local time), the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities issued a statement asserting, "Everyone agrees that Cleopatra's skin color was light and that she was of Greek descent." It added, "The sculptures and statues of Cleopatra serve as the best evidence, and the depictions found there show Cleopatra's European characteristics."
Mustafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt, also criticized the documentary, saying, "(Netflix's portrayal of Cleopatra as Black) is a manipulation of Egyptian history and a clear historical misunderstanding."
Recently, petitions have been circulating in Egypt calling for a ban on the screening of 'Queen Cleopatra.' This is because the trailer for the documentary released by Netflix features Cleopatra VII played by the Black actress Adele James.
Cleopatra VII was the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt, reigning from 51 BC to 30 BC. In Egypt, Greece, and the academic historical community, the consensus is that Cleopatra was a white woman of Greek descent.
Renowned archaeologist Zahi Hawass told the local media outlet Egypt Independent in an interview that Netflix's documentary is "completely fake," emphasizing, "Cleopatra was Greek. She was not Black, meaning her skin color would have been light."
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