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Press Releases
91Èȱ¬ One announces Cleopatra: Portrait Of A Killer
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Cleopatra – one of the greatest icons in history – is to be the focus of a new historical documentary for 91Èȱ¬ One this winter.
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Based on new and exclusive forensic evidence, this new one-off 60-minute special reveals a darker and more ruthless side to the Queen of Egypt, traditionally mythologised for her beauty, her love affairs with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and, finally, her suicide.
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It is based on the groundbreaking discovery of a tomb containing human remains.
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Archaeologists are convinced that this is the skeleton of one of Cleopatra's victims, murdered by her Roman lover, Mark Antony, on her orders.
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Mythologised as the greatest love affair in history, Cleopatra: Portrait Of A Killer shows how Cleopatra and Mark Antony's passion spilled into cold-blooded murder as they bid to hold on to power.
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It reveals the darker side of love and power in the ancient world. It brings to life key scenes from the life and loves of Cleopatra: her marriage to Caesar; murder of her brother Ptolemy and the boat where Mark Antony and Cleopatra draw up a "most wanted" list.
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Based on exclusive access to the archaeologists and the skeleton, Cleopatra: Portrait Of A Killer is a tale of rivalry, lust, incest, murder and power that destroyed an empire.
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It is an incredible true story about one of history's greatest legends.
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Mark Bell, 91Èȱ¬ Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual, says: "Cleopatra – arguably the most famous woman in history – has been the subject of endless fiction and much speculation.
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"This film, based on riveting new archeological evidence, gives a fresh perspective on the world's original femme fatale.
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"It may be ancient history, but it still makes a sensational story today, and I'm delighted to be bringing it to 91Èȱ¬ One."
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Cleopatra: Portrait Of A Killer has been made by Lion Television and Brave New Media for the 91Èȱ¬. The executive producer for Lion is Richard Bradley.
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Richard Bradley says: "It's rare that you come across a real archaeological scoop that concerns one of history's greatest figures. This is one of those stories.
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"Lion Television is excited to be partnering with producer Paul Elstan and Brave New Media to bring this fascinating tale to the screen.
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"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."
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Notes to Editors
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More details will be announced about the forensic evidence at a later date.
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EF/LG
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