Aegyptus Antiqua, Abraham Ortelius - Vintage map, Norman B. Leventhal Collection

The tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra takes place in the ancient empires of Rome and Egypt, the latter of which is depicted on this 1584 map. Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, and Mark Antony, co-ruler of Rome are entangled in a romantic and political relationship wrought with betrayal, despair, and love. Cleopatra famously seduced both Julius Caesar and later Antony, with whom she had children. The combined power of Egypt and Rome struck fear into the hearts of the Roman government, who declared war on Cleopatra. Antony fought with her, and rather than face life without one another, both lovers took their own lives.
Courtesy of Boston Public Library