Here's why:
* Egyptian royalty were expected to be multilingual. The Ptolemaic rulers, like Cleopatra, were Greek in origin, but they ruled Egypt. It was crucial for them to understand and be understood by the Egyptian population. They would have been educated in both Greek and Egyptian languages.
* Egyptian priests and scribes spoke Egyptian. The priests and scribes were responsible for administering the country and keeping records. They were highly educated and would have spoken Egyptian fluently.
* Commoners spoke Egyptian. While Greek was the language of administration, the majority of the Egyptian population would have spoken the native language, which was a form of Egyptian.
Cleopatra's unique position:
While Cleopatra was not the only one to learn Egyptian, she did use it strategically:
* She emphasized her connection to the pharaohs of old. By learning and using the language, she presented herself as a legitimate ruler in the eyes of the Egyptians, drawing on their historical reverence for their pharaohs.
* She used it to manipulate and influence others. Cleopatra was known for her political acumen and her ability to manipulate people. She may have used her knowledge of Egyptian to gain influence over those who spoke it.
It's important to remember:
* Egyptian language was complex. It involved a variety of dialects and scripts.
* There's limited evidence about Cleopatra's proficiency. While we know she was fluent in Greek and possibly Aramaic, the extent of her mastery of Egyptian is debated by historians.
In conclusion, it's a misconception to claim Cleopatra was the only one to learn Egyptian. It was common for the ruling class and others to be multilingual, and Cleopatra's unique connection to the language was strategic and political.