"For the method of Cleopatra's death, it is safest to agree with Dio's judgement that 'no one knows clearly in what way she perished.' The story of the asp is problematic, for an individual one is typically about eight feet long, rather larger for a basket of figs and inconvenient to handle. Also a single bite by an asp is not necessarily fatal, and even when it is, as much as two hours may pass before life is extinguished" (Everitt 195).
I have taught my students for years that Cleopatra died by a snake bite. However, after reading this passage, it makes me wonder how she really died?
I have taught my students for years that Cleopatra died by a snake bite. However, after reading this passage, it makes me wonder how she really died?