Welcome to Sleepytime History — true stories from the pages of history for a full night's rest.

Tonight we travel back to ancient Egypt, to explore the remarkable life of Cleopatra: twilight sovereign of a fading empire, and one of the most powerful, dangerous, and bewitching women in all of history. Born into the Ptolemaic dynasty, Cleopatra came of age in a world of golden courtyards, sandstone halls, and palace intrigue — where power was held as much through treachery as through birthright. Fluent in nine languages and known for the quiet force of her presence, she ruled with intellect, grace, and unwavering resolve through some of the most turbulent decades her kingdom had ever known. Her relationship with Julius Caesar would send shockwaves from Alexandria to Rome, as whispers of dynastic ambition began to stir unrest in the heart of the Republic. As Roman politics tightened around her claim, Cleopatra's very presence in the capital left many quietly unsettled. And yet, against all odds, she held power — navigating war, betrayal, and the tides of empire with a calm that defied expectations.

This story blends the calm power of Cleopatra’s legacy with the quiet rhythms of ancient lands — perfect for those who unwind with history or enjoy audio books that soothe the mind. Whether you're drawn to tranquil history or tales of the greatest minds in history, this episode invites you to get sleepy with a queen who never surrendered to fear. Let Cleopatra's enduring presence become part of your own peaceful journey tonight. If you're here for history for serenity and harmony, or seeking audiobooks to help you rest, you're in the right place. Settle in for this poetic and powerful chapter of history legends, as we bring you another story in our ongoing collection of history for sleep, history for serenity, and history to soothe the mind.

Let this quiet story of endurance and devotion guide you into a restful night’s sleep.

If you're new here, share where you're tuning in from or request a story for a future bedtime episode. And if you enjoy these peaceful history stories, please like and subscribe — it helps us continue sharing calm, true tales from the past.

Chapters:

00:00:00:00 Cleopatra: Dangerous, Bewitching & Irresistible

00:42:14:00 Who were the Radium Girls?

01:29:02:08 Origins of Merlin the Wizard: Fact or Fiction?

02:06:06:15 536 AD: The Worst Year in History?

02:52:36:10 Count Dracula - Origins of a Gothic Legend

03:39:47:16 Alcatraz: Only Three Men Ever Escaped. Did They Survive?

04:26:07:03 Yasuke: Legendary African Samurai of Feudal Japan

05:13:05:01 Defiance Incarnate: Boudica, Celtic Warrior Queen

05:55:39:05 Infamous Skyjacker, DB Cooper: How Did He Get Away with It?

06:45:05:22 Myths & Legends of the Bermuda Triangle - Part II

07:35:18:11 Myths & Legends of the Bermuda Triangle - Part I

Watch on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0KP99A1YtXj7wsHgAd7ukm

For early access to new episodes and ad-free listening, join us on Patreon — https://www.patreon.com/SleepytimeHistory

Or Buy Us a Coffee – https://buymeacoffee.com/sleepytimehistory