Let's see, I will hopefully fill some voids, since I've studied History constantly since I was younger, though I am going to state beforehand that I am not a complete expert.
Yes, Cleopatra was the last pharoah of Ancient Egypt, after ending the Ptolemy reign that had lasted for a few hundred years (Though Caesarian would have taken over, anyhow). (Caesarian being her first born son. She had other sons, and even a daughter. All but the daughter was killed, I believe. Her daughter, Selene, became Queen of Mauretania and Syria, which several European monarchies are currently related to.) People often consider her to be a seducer and the 'bimbo' of the ancient world, but from recent discoveries, she was not. She was likely intelligent, kind and tried in vain to save Egypt from being acquired into the Roman Empire, before she fell in love with Marc Anthony. It is often said that as she watched the great library of Alexandria burn, she had wept for it.She was Macedonian (and, yes, at that time it was a different nation, though had greek cultural influence). However, it is said she was both half Macedonian and half Egyptian. She grew up in Egypt, so you can't really say she wasn't Egyptian. It is like saying that because, say, the current American president isn't American because his ancestors came from Europe, etc. He was born and raised in America, and is thus an American.
Discussing past Pharoahs of Egypt, yes there have been many. Zhaz is correct about Queen Hatshepsut. She ruled during the 18th Dynasty (Before Akhenaten, or Tutankhamun), and had been, in many peoples opinions, a glorious pharoah. She made large monuments, and the kingdom of Egypt prospered. Several of the monuments, such as the cliff temple (Djeser-dje-seru), that you often see in documentaries about Egypt, were created during her reign.
There were other Queens, many who remain unknown, and others who ruled with their husbands (such as Queen Tiye, Queen Ankhesenamun and Queen Nefertiti), or ruled their husbands. Others ruled alone, such as Queen Ankhetkheprure, Queen Tawosret, and many others. Yes, the majority of pharoahs were male, but not all of the male pharoahs are remembered as much as others, as well. For example, many people I know haven't really heard of the 22nd or 23rd Dynasties, but they were important in themselves.
Throughout the world, there were female rulers for almost all the countries, historical or current, during some period in time. It isn't that amazing, frankly.
[This message has been edited by Sunshine (edited 01-24-2003 @ 06:12 PM).]