Alexandria was Cleopatra's capitol city. The white city by the sea, it was a hub of learning and trade from all across the (known) world. This fragrance starts off with the heady bloom of orange blossom, and quickly follows up with perfumery notes of amber and musk. A base of exotic spices and vanilla, as if wafting across market stalls, ground the fragrance. An alluring mix of the sexy and the innocent, that's like a smell you can recall but can't quite place.
The one that started it all. I picked up a copy of Cleopatra: A Life (by Stacy Schiff) thinking it was historical fiction, but it turned out to be an incredibly well-written biography - normally non-fiction is not my thing (at all). But once I started reading, her narrative style sucked me in and I plowed through that book. Highly recommended. I also loved Hand of Isis by Jo Graham, which is a historical fiction book told from the point of view of one of Cleopatra's handmaidens, Charmian. Her descriptions of Alexandria had a big influence on the scents I chose to include in this blend.
Cleopatra is probably one of the most recognizable figures from ancient history - and how not? A queen renowned for her captivating wit, at the heart of a devastating romantic tale is bound to become an object of fascination. Because of this, I chose to incorporate some aspects of her pop culture portrayals in addition to historical fact because to try and separate the two for the sake of pure historical accuracy seemed a little silly.
So here's the book report synopsis of historical facts:
Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (the goddess who loves her father) was born into the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt in 69 BCE. She survived intrigue and murder amongst her royal siblings to be crowned in 51 BCE. She reigned for 21 years, and had children with both Julius Caesar (yes, that Caesar) and Mark Antony. She died, rather famously, by suicide after learning that she would be a part of Octavian's triumph in Rome. She remains a symbol of power, female empowerment, cunning, and tragic romance thousands of years later.