What a strange, unexpected tale. I’m used to the same families constantly reappearing in ancient history, and the importance of marriage in Roman politics. But

What a strange, unexpected tale. I’m used to the same families constantly reappearing in ancient history, and the importance of marriage in Roman politics. But still: Cleopatra’s children raised by Augustus’s sister, ex-wife of Antony, his greatest rival. And when she grows up they marry her to the son of another of Rome’s great enemies and send them off to rule a kingdom together.