One of the mummies was found wearing an image of a scarab, pained in gold leaf, symbolising rebirth.But the 200 coins bearing Cleopatra's likeness links the pharaoh ruler directly to Taposiris Magna, which was founded in the third century BC.

By the time of her birth, his empire had been reduced to a shadow of its former self, while the ruling class was prone to bitter in-fighting.Married to her brother Ptolemy XIII in her father's will, she united with Julius Caesar against him - famously having herself smuggled to see the Roman general inside a carpet so she could strike terms with him.After his murder in 44BC Egypt, Mark Anthony was appointed to oversee the eastern reaches of the Republic - including the independent kingdom of Egypt.Though married to Octavian's sister, Anthony formed a relationship with Cleopatra and had three children with her.Eventually Anthony and Octavian turned against one-another and fought for control of the Republic, which ended with defeat at the Battle of Actium.Octavian chased Anthony and Cleopatra back to Alexandria, where they were eventually captured.Anthony died in Cleopatra's arms after fatally stabbing himself, before she also committed suicide - reportedly by letting an asp bite her.Octavian returned to Italy where he became the first Emperor of Rome, while Cleopatra and Anthony were buried in Egypt. Cleopatra, often known as the world's first celebrity, was the last of a long line to Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt – descended from Greek general Alexander the Great. In order to fix herself and Anthony as rulers in the minds of the Egyptian people, she also worked hard to associate them with the myth of Isis and Osiris.Dr Glenn Godenho and Dr Kathleen Martinez inside Taposiris Magna temple near Alexandria in EgyptKathleen Martinez, who is leading the dig, believes the site was strongly associated with the myth of Isis and Osiris - a myth that Cleopatra often tried to imitate during her lifeAccording to the myth, Osiris was killed and hacked into pieces that were scattered across Egypt. Locals have taken to the place too – perhaps more for the space than for the contents, as testified by the crowds of cappuccino-sipping loungers at café tables and their careering offspring in the piazza outside on any sunny weekend. The ticket price includes an excellent audioguide narrated by Prince Jonathan Pamphili himself - I love the bit about how he and his sister used to roller-skate through these august halls. What counts as a 'minor' ancient artwork or architectural decoration in Rome, of course, would be a major centrepiece elsewhere: the dreamy muse Polymnia and a towering statue of the goddess Fortuna are cases in point. Back off, naysayers - I love this daring piece of contemporary architecture in the newly hip northern Flaminio district, designed by Pritzker prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid. After their deaths, the gods would allow Cleopatra to live with Antony in another form of existence, so they would have eternal life together.' The crypt is the main draw. The temple was established between 280 and 270 BCAfter Mark Anthony killed himself following defeat to Octavian but before her own suicide, Cleopatra put detailed plans in place for them both to be buried there, in echoes of the myth, Dr Martinez thinks. I won't mention here that I once had the privilege of going up on the scaffolding while they were restoring it, as it wouldn't be fair. The temple at Taposiris Magna. But it is the second-floor reconstructions of rooms from luxurious ancient houses, complete with brightly-coloured wall decoration, that is this museum's real high point.

Cleopatra and her Roman lover Mark Anthony may have been buried at the site 2,000 years ago because of her desire to imitate an ancient prophecy, Dr Martinez believes. Some of these parties took place in a private setting, with the host, usually someone who had just returned from Egypt, sending out invitations.

After an initial limestone slab is removed, she says: 'Oh my god, there are two mummies … See this wonder.' You can also have your say on the great Ludovisi throne controversy: is this marble chair with its exquisite Aphrodite relief a 5th-century BC masterpiece or a more modern hoax? Note also that last entry is a good two hours before closing time, and be aware that the Vatican Museums close on Vatican holidays, which don't always coincide with Italian public holidays - check the list on the website.

Right around the back of the museum, you'll find Neve di Latte, one of Rome's truly great new-generation ice-cream shops. These recommendations, and many more, can be found in theWe rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism.We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future.