Before turning to the fleets, the opening separates Cleopatra's intelligence and capability from the success of her decisions. She could prepare carefully and judge events well in hindsight, yet she was not always fortunate and did not always choose the best immediate course. The Ptolemies' exceptionally close royal marriages are then contrasted with earlier pharaonic practice, which drew from a wider extended royal family. This gives Cleopatra dynastic context before the later discussion of propaganda and command.
Notable Point · 2:22-4:17
Cleopatra's ability within Ptolemaic dynastic politics
Cleopatra's intelligence and preparation did not guarantee good outcomes, while the Ptolemies carried close-kin royal marriage much further than earlier Egyptian dynasties.