BBC reveals Cleopatra dark secrets

9:22pm Wednesday 10th September 2008

Cleopatra is to be the focus of a new historical documentary for BBC One this winter, revealing dark and ruthless aspects of the "original femme fatale" and Queen of Egypt.

Known as one of greatest love affairs in history, the one-hour special says Cleopatra and Mark Antony's passion spilled into cold-blooded murder in their bid to hold on to power.

Cleopatra: Portrait Of A Killer is billed as a tale of rivalry, lust, incest, murder and power that destroyed an empire.

It brings to life scenes from the life and loves of Cleopatra - her marriage to Caesar, the murder of her brother Ptolemy and a boat where Mark Antony and Cleopatra draw up a "most wanted" list.

Richard Bradley, executive producer of Lion Television which made the programme, said: "We hope that this story will help the audience see Cleopatra as a real woman wrestling with power, rather than the semi-mythical figure of Liz Taylor and Carry On movies."

Using new and exclusive forensic evidence, the show is based on the discovery of a tomb containing human remains. Archaeologists are convinced that it is the skeleton of one of Cleopatra's victims, murdered by her Roman lover Mark Antony on her orders, the BBC said.

It said more details will be announced about the forensic evidence at a later date.

Mark Bell, BBC commissioning editor, specialist factual, said: "Cleopatra - arguably the most famous woman in history - has been the subject of endless fiction and much speculation.

"This film, based on riveting new archaeological evidence, gives a fresh perspective on the world's original femme fatale.

"It may be ancient history, but it still makes a sensational story today, and I'm delighted to be bringing it to BBC One."