From the halls of Alexandria to the heart of Rome, this is the story of the queen who defined her own destiny.

Peel back the layers of myth and propaganda to reveal the true Cleopatra VII—a visionary strategist, a master of languages, and a formidable queen who navigated the dangerous currents of Roman ambition to secure her throne and her dynasty. Utilizing innovative artificial intelligence tools to vividly reconstruct the lost magnificence of her court and the landscapes of the ancient world, Shadows and Splendor delivers a compelling, nuance-filled portrait of the last pharaoh of Egypt.

Follow her breathtaking rise to power and complex alliance with Julius Caesar, her legendary, theatrical meeting at Tarsus with Mark Antony, and the unprecedented power—and ultimate provocation—of the Donations of Alexandria. Exploring the profound cultural, spiritual, and symbolic depth of her rule, Glick’s meticulously researched biography moves beyond reductive historical narratives to reveal a leader who was genuinely multiple: Greek, Macedonian, and genuinely, passionately Egyptian.

Shadows and Splendor is a deeply immersive account of a woman whose relentless preparation, unmatched intellect, and ultimate courage to define her own ending in the face of inevitable defeat made her an immortal icon.