Professor of Classics and Africana Studies Shelley Haley presented “Cleopatra: From African Queen to Shifting Icon” on Aug. 12 at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute (MWPAI) in Utica. The lecture was in connection with the Institute’s current exhibit, “Shadow of the Sphinx: Ancient Egypt and Its Influence.”

According to Haley, “Although Cleopatra was a minor player on the broad stage of world history, we continue to be fascinated by her.” In her talk, Haley explored the reasons for our continuing fascination with Cleopatra and examined how our views are not very different from those held by the ancient Roman male elite.