Legend has it that Cleopatra beat Marc Anthony in a wager. Who can throw the most expensive dinner party? And subsequently won his Heart.
To show Egypt's continued Power and in a display of Wealth, Cleopatra accepted Marc Anthony's wager.
On board her Royal Barge, she sat at an empty plate and goblet of vinegar. Marc Anthony ate heartily, but proclaimed at the end of his meal that while enjoyable the meal did not surpass former Banquets. At this point, Cleopatra removed her Pearl Earring. Crushed it, and placed it into her goblet and drank it down.
Marc Anthony had no choice but to admit defeat. By Roman standards the single Pearl was valued at "10Million sesterces" or the "value of 15 Countries"
The Irony of Her actions? In Egypt, Pearls were not terribly prized for their monetary value, but for their Beauty.
Cleopatra, not known as being "vulgar", did have a reputation for ostentation. Educated and Brilliant, she did what she felt she had to in order to save her Reign-and that of her children's.
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