In
Egyptian history the Ptolemaic period is one of the best known. Ptolemais
Dynasty (Lagids) founded by general of
Alexander the Great, Ptolemy, son of Lagos, ends up in 30 BC with death of
Cleopatra VII and Roman invasion by Octavian August. Ptolemaic Egypt was one of
the greatest superpowers of Hellenistic East. That times are the crowning glory
of pharaonic art and architecture. Ptolemys erected many magnificent temples,
preserved until now: in Edfu, Esna, Kom Ombo, Dendera, on File and Elephantine
to mention only the most beautiful and greatest of them. Power of Egyptian
Empire and its influence on other countries in eastern part of Mediterranean
basin could compare with the most excellent for the land on Nile times of
dynasties XVIII, XIX and XXII. To view the transcription
of kings titulary properly, please
download and install transliteration font.
1
306 - 282
Ptolemy I
Soter I (Savior)
wr-aA m bAqt ptlmis , ptlmis pA
xStrpn
Hr wr-pHti
nsw-qni
iTi-m-sxm[.f?]-m-HqA-Tl
... ...
stp.n-ra
mri-imn
, xpr-kA-ra stp-n-imn
ptwlmis
ntrwi
nDtiwi
Hr wr-pHti nsw-qni
mri-imnMeriamon(Beloved Of Amon)
stp.n-raSetepenre
(Chosen Of Re)
ptwlmis
Ptolemajos (Ptolemy)
Πτολεμαιος Σωτη
Ptolemaios Soter
Son
of Lagos and Arsinoe born in 369/8 BC or 360/356 BC , husband of Thais and
then -
Artakama,
Eurydice,
Berenice
I
and Lamia.
He was one of the commanders under
Alexander the Great. At the famous meeting in Babylon
in 323 he was chosen administrator
of Egypt. He administered it in behalf of Phillip Arrchideaus and
next of Alexander the Great. In 322/21 he took part in coalition against
Pardikkas and won two battles at the Delta during the so called war of
diadochi (the war between heirs of Alexander). He also overtook embalmed
body of Alexander that were to be buried in Macedonia by Perdikkas. During
the second diadochi war in 319-15 BC, Ptolemy took up Syria and Palestine.
During the third diadochi war he lost Syria while his brothers, Seleukos and
Menelaos, gained Cyprus for Egypt. In 312-09 he was alternately winning and
losing Syria in favor of Seleukos. King of Egypt as Basileus in late summer
or autumn 306 and as pharaoh between 7 November 305 and the 10 July 304 BC.
During the fourth war of diadochi against Antigonos, Ptolemy gained Syria
and Phenicia as far as to Byblos. In aftermaths of alliance made with Pyrrus
of Epyr and war with Demetrios, Ptolemy attached to Egypt Cyprus , Licia,
Pamphilia and Tyr and Sydon in Syria. Last years of rule he acted also on
Greek territory. At that times there was also the fifth war of diadochi
(228-85) during which he
supported Athens against Demetrios. He held the rule over Cyclades as
commander of the Union of Greek Islands. Ptolemy I Soter was also exquisite
administrator, he standarized the monetary system and made orders in
economy. Building activity is certified by temples in Terenutis, Tebtynis,
Kom el-Ahmar, Oxyrynchos and Tuna el-Gebel. In Alexandria he put basics for
Museion and library and built temple of Serapis. He died probably 10 January
282, aged 84.
2
284 -
282 - 246
Ptolemy II Philadelphos
Hr Hwnw-qni
wr-pHti
axai.n-sw-it.f
wsr-kA-n-ra mri-imn ,
wsr-kA-ra mri-imn
ptwlmis
nTrwi snwi
wsr-kA-n-raWeserkaenre(Powerful Is The Soul[Ka] Of Re) mri-imnMeriamon(Beloved Of Amon)
ptwlmis Ptolemajos(Ptolemy)
Πτολεμαιος Φιλαδελφος
Ptolemaios Philadelphos
Husband
of Arsinoe I and later of Arsinoe II. Born in 309/8 on Cos Island,
son of Ptolemy I and Berenike I, since 284 the coregent and since 282
the independent ruler of Egypt. He brought to greatness the power of
Lagids in eastern areas of Mediterranean sea. His firs years of rule
were branded with family disputes of succession and intrigues of Arsinoe
II - Ptolemy’s sister and wife of Lizymakh, the king of Macedonia. After
the latter’s death Arsinoe I is driven out of the country and it came to
marriage with Arsinoe II. Ptolemy’s expedition to Syria at the end
of 274 caused the first Syrian war, finally ended up with signing peace
in 271. During next couple of years Ptolemy puts attention to Greece and
makes efforts to hold protectorate over the Union of Greek Islands as
well as support of sea expedition to Bisantium. Second Syrian war was
not very lucky for Ptolemy. Egypt lost Cilicia and Pamphilia,
additionally had to pay presumably high war compensation to Antioch
II who married Ptolemy’s daughter – Berenice.
However, in 250 thank to victory over Antygon in sea battle in Macedonia
and support of Achaian
Union, Ptolemy managed regain his position at the Egeian sea basin.
During the general register in Egypt there were listed all fields,
canals and green areas. Both this register and introduction of tax
regulations in 259 were aimed to win maximal incomes for developing
foreign and economic politics. On the field of building industry Ptolemy
became famous for starting the temple of Isis at the island of File,
building of temples at Elephantine and fragments of temples at Thebes.
There are preserved structures raised at Saqqara,
Behbet el-Hagar, Sebennytos and Fayum and Charga Oasis. Building of
lighthouse at Pharos was completed around 280.
a
280 - 272
Arsinoe II
... ...
... ...
... ...
Xnm(t)-ib-n-mAat mr(t)-nTrw
arsinAt
Xnm(t)-ib-n-mAat mr(t)-nTrw henemet ib en Maat merit neteru(Who Is United In The
Heart Of Truth, Beloved Of The Gods)
arsinAtArsinoe
Daughter
of Ptolemy I and Berenice I, sister of Philotera and Ptolemy II, then
his wife. As a wife of Macedonian king, Lisymach,
she intrigued against her own brother Ptolemy and drove to murdering of
Macedonian heir to the throne Agathokles.
After Lisymach’s
death she was married to Keraunos who crowned himself a king of Lisymachia
after the diadochi battle. In 279 he murdered Arsinoe’s children and she
escaped to Egypt where she managed to drive Arsinoe I out of the country
and marry hers brother and coregent between 280 and 272 BC. After death
she was deified in the whole East-Mediterranean region.
iwa-n-nTrwi-snwiiwa
en netjerwy senwy
(The Heir Of The Sibling-Loving Gods)
stp.n-raSetepenre
(Chosen of Re)
sxm-anx-n-imn Sekhemankhenamon(The
Living Image Of Amun)
ptwlmis anx-Dt mri-ptH Ptolemajos ankh det
Meriptah
(Ptolemy, Living Forever
; Beloved Of Ptah)
Πτολεμαιος Ευεργετης
Ptolemaios Euergetes
Son
of Ptolemy II and Arsinoe I, husband of Berenice II. Under his reign, in
238 at Kanopos toom place synod of Egyptian clergy that resulted in
solemn decree issued in Greek, demotic and hieroglyphic writing. This
tradition survived under following rulers. After third Syrian war
(246-41) Euergetes strengthened his rule in Celesyria (southern Syria
with Palestine and Phoenician cities). He supported Sparta of
Kleomenes, Etolia Union and Athenes. He was dedicated builder; he
erected the best known until now Egyptian temple of Horus at Edfu.
Furthermore, there are known his
building works at File, Elephantine, Esna, Theban area, Kharga Oasis,
Kanopos and Alexandria. He arranged second library in Alexandrian
Serapeum and put big efforts to gain books there. Ptolemy III died of
natural causes between 18 October and 31 December 222 BC.
b
246 - 222
Berenice II
Hr sAt-HqA irt-n-HqA
... ...
... ...
... ...
brnikt (nTrt mnx(t) mr(t)-nTrwt)
Hr sAt-HqA irt-n-HqA
brnikt
Berenice
Daughter
of Megas the king of Cyrene
and Arsinoe, born around 267/6. First marriage with Demetrius the Just,
second – with Ptolemy III with whom she had childern: Ptolemy IV, Megas,
Arsinoe III and Berenice and one more son of unknown name (Lizymakh or
Alexander?). Still alive she was endowed with divine worship. Coregency
with Ptolemy III between 246-222 BC. She died in 221, presumably
poisoned.
iwa-n-nTrwi-mnhwi
iwa en
netjer wymenehwy
(The Heir Of The Beneficient Gods)
stp.n-ptH
Setepenptah(Chosen Of Ptah) wsr-kA-ra
Weserkare(Powerful Is The Soul [Ka]
Of Re) sxm-anx-n-imnSekhemankhenamon(The
Living Image Of Amon)
ptwlmis (anx-Dt mri-ptH-Ast)Ptolemajos ankh det
meri Iset
(Ptolemy Living Forever, Beloved
Of Isis)
Πτολεμαιος Φιλοπατωρ
Ptolemaios Philopator
Eldest
son of Ptolemy III and Berenice II, husband-brother of Arsinoe III. He
spent his rule on drunken feasts and religious considerations (sic!). A
courtier Sosibios who had a considerable power in the land, lead to
murdering of his political opponents: Berenice II, Megas – Ptolemy II’s
brother and Lisymach
– Ptolemy III’s brother. Foreign politics of Egypt done by Sosibios and
Agatokles was directed on fight for Syria against Seleucids. During the
fourth Syrian war, in the battle at Rafia totally 130 thousand of
soldiers, 11 thousand of horse riders and 175 thousand of elephants were
engaged on both sites. The war finished in favor of Ptolemy. In Upper
Egypt at short time for the rule reached local noble Horwennefer
(Harnakhis) and claimed himself a pharaoh. After his death in 199
the rule at Thebaida was overtaken by Ankhmakhis
who continued work of his predecessor. Ptolemy Philopator died in
summer 204, before he reached an age of 40.
c
205 - 199
Horwennefer (Harmakhis)
... ...
... ...
... ...
... ...
Hr-wn-nfr mr-Js.t
mr-Jmn-Ra-nsw-ntr.w pA ntr aA
Theban
dignitary, as sometimes implied - the great priest of Ptah at Memphis. In
205 BC, under Ptolemy IV he appointed himself a pharaoh and ruled Upper
Egypt over a period of few years. Died probably in 199 BC passing the rule
over Thebaida to Ankhwennefer
(Ankhmakhis).
There is opinion that
Horunnefer and Ankhunnefer are the same person who changed his name in 199
BC for unknown reasons.
d
199 - 186
Ankhwennefer (Ankhmakhis)
... ...
... ...
... ...
... ...
anx-wn-nfr mr-Js.t
mr-Jmn-Ra-nsw-ntr.w pA ntr aA
Horwennefer's
(Harmakhis) sucessor at Theban throne. He lost power in Thebes in 199/198 BC
and the rest of Thebaida in 191/190. Although supported by army of Meroe he
was defeated by Comanos, a commander in behalf of Ptolemy V. In this battle
was killed Ankhunefer's son and he hemself was captured August 27, 186 BC.
September of the same year he was released. Also Lykopolis at Delta run riot
agains Alexandria. The uprising lasted up to 185 BC when it was suppressed
by Polykrates of Argos. Leader of the revolt was tormanted to death in Sais.
Synod at Alexandria announced Ankhwennefer the foe of gods, however pardoned
him later. There is opinion that Horunnefer and Ankhunnefer are the same
person who changed his name in 199 BC for unknown reasons.
pA ntr pri , nTr-pri , nTr
pri nb-nfrw , nTrwi prwi
iwa-n-nTrwi-mr(wi)-it
iua en neczerui
merui it
(The Heir Of The Beneficient Gods)
stp.n-ptHSetepenptah(Chosen Of Ptah) wsr-kA-ra
Weserkare(Powerful Is The Soul [Ka]
Of Re) sxm-anx-n-imn Sekhemankhenamon(The
Living Image Of Amun)
ptwlmis (anx-Dt mri-ptH)
Ptolemajos anch det Meriptah
(Ptolemy, Living Forever, Beloved
Of Ptah)
Πτολεμαιος Eπιφανης
Ptolemaios Epiphanes
Husband
of Cleopatra I – a daughter of
Antiochus III, son of Ptolemy Philopator by
Arsinoe III. He became a king (at least officially) being a child of
about 5 years. As a regent in his name ruled Agathocles, a favorite of
Ptolemy IV, put to death later by Alexandrians. The succeeding regent
was Tlepolemos. In 197 BC, at the age of 14, Ptolemy Epiphanes assumed a
title of king and his official coronation was held at Memphis on
Egyptian manner. In March of the following year the synod of Egyptian
priesthood in the city of Memphis made and published a solemn decree in
honor of the king. It is known presently as the Rosetta Stone. In his
19th year was born his first son by Cleopatra – Ptolemy. In 196 BC the
royal army under Komanos suppressed a south-egyptian revolt raised by
Anchmachis and imprisoned the very leader whose son was killed in the
battle. Ptolemy died at the age of 29 and at this time the Egyptian
empire lost all its possessions except Cyprus and Kyrene.
Daughter
of Antiokh III and Leodike. She was married to Ptolemy V Epiphanes in
194/3 thus approving peace between Ptolemys and Seleucids. She was
mother of three rulers: Ptolemy IV, Ptolemy VII and Cleopatra II. Yet
being alive, she was deified together with her husband and then honored
with Horus name and numerous titles reserved for rulers. After
Epiphanes’ death in 180 she became regent and held rule in behalf of her
minor child, Ptolemy VI. She died in 178/7 BC.
nTr mri m wt.f , pA nTr mri
mwt.f , nTrwi mrwi m wt , nTrw mrw m wt
iwa-n-nTrwi-prwiiwa en netjerwy perwy (The
Heir Of The Houses Of The Gods)
stp.n-ptH-xpri Setepenptahkhepry(Chosen Of Ptah-Khepry) iri-mAat-imn-ra Irimaatamonre
(Who Brings Forth The Order Of Amun-Re)
ptwlmis (anx-Dt mri-ptH)
Ptolemajos anch det Meriptah
(Ptolemy, Living Forever, Beloved
Of Ptah)
Πτολεμαιος Φιλομητωρ
Ptolemaios Philometor
Two
dignitaries, Lenaeus and Eulaeus, took the regency after sudden death of
Cleopatra I. Her son, 11 years old Ptolemy, married his own sister –
Cleopatra II. In October of 170 the control of Egypt had been split
among Ptolemy VI, Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra II. In 169 BC he made
disgraceful for Egypt settlement with Antiochus IV. For that reason he
was finally dethroned by Alexandrians. The king’s protector,
Antiochus IV, laid siege to Alexandria for some time but with no
success. At Alexandrians’ request Rome gave rule to the three siblings
again. About 164 BC took place an uprising incited by Serapis-Dionysus,
an adviser of Ptolemy VIII. He was a hellenised Egyptian and as such he
aimed to overtake rule from Philometor in favor of the inexperienced
Ptolemy VIII. In 163 BC the rule was officially split up between the
brothers – Philometor was to rule over Egypt and Cyprus while Ptolemy
VIII obtained Cyrene. Philometor was perished in 145 BC in a battle at
the river Oinoparas with the Seleucid king
Antiochus Balas who was his son-in-law. He went down in history as a
peaceful and just ruler.
Daughter
of Ptolemy V Epiphanes and Cleopatra I. She was married to her own
brother Ptolemy VI; they had together children: the later coregent
Ptolemy Eupator, Ptolemy VII and two daughters: Cleopatra Thea and
Cleopatra III. In 145 she married Ptolemy VIII who came to the
rule by killing his potential pretender, Ptolemy VII. One year later
their son Memfites was born. In 132 as result of civil war, she overtook
independently the rule in the land and drove Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra
III out to Cyprus. Cleopatra did not have support of Egyptian people and
her rule rested only against Greeks and Jews. For this reason Ptolemy
VIII returned in 130 and regained the rule. After failure of a couple of
intrigues organized with Demetrios II against Egypt, Cleopatra could
participate in common rule of three in Alexandria since 124 BC.
g
152
Ptolemy Eupator
Born
15 October 166, son of Ptolemy
VI Philopator and Cleopatra II. In 152
BC, when he was only 14, his father probably assigned
him a co-regent. Thus he, at least officially, became a king of Cyprus. He
died in 152 from a plague spreading all over Egypt at
that time.
7
145 - 144
Ptolemy
(VII)
Neo Philopater (NewPhilopater)
... ...
... ...
... ...
... ...
ptwlmis
pA nTr Hwnw mri-it.f
pA nTr Hwnw mri-it.fpa neteru hunu
meriitef
Πτολεμαιος Νεος Φιλοπατωρ
Ptolemaios Neos Philopator
Second
son of Ptolemy Philometor and Cleopatra II. At moment of his father’s death
he was 15 years old. For this reason through next few moths the rule
in his behalf was held by his mother, Cleopatra II, until the moment of her
marriage with Ptolemy VIII Euergetes, the king of Cyrena. Murdered in
Ptolemy VIII’s order in 145. Putting him into Ptolemaic dynasty by assigning
to him a number in order is considered as mistake because this Ptolemy
de facto never held the rule.
pA nTr mnx , pA nTr mnx
nb-qnw , nTrwi-mnxwi , nTrw-mnxw
stp.n-ptH
Setepenptah(Chosen Of Ptah) iri-mAat-ra Irimaatre(Who
Brings Forth The Order Of Re) sxm-anx-n-imnSekhemankhenamon(The
Living Image Of Amun)
ptwlmis (anx-Dtmri-ptH)
Ptolemajos
ankh det Meriptah
(Ptolemy, Living Forever ; Beloved Of Ptah)
Πτολεμαιος Ευεργετης Φυσκων
Ptolemaios Euergetes Phuskon
Son
of Cleopatra I and Ptolemy Epiphanes, brother of Ptolemy Philometor and
Cleopatra II. In 170-163 BC he ruled Egypt jointly with his brother and
sister. In 163 BC under a settlement made with his brother he became a
king of Cyrene. Supported by Rome he put efforts to take a rule over
Cyprus. Upon his brother’s death he married his own sister Cleopatra II
and ascended a throne. His new wife bore him a son – Ptolemy, from the
place of birth named
Mephites. In 142 BC he married ceremonially his niece Cleopatra III.
The existence of two legitimate queens, two wives of the ruler, resulted
soon in a conflict in the royal family. Euergetes was a cruel ruler. He
put to death his own son, Memphites, and sent his chopped body to the
mother. This was a reason of a civil war and a splitting up of the
State. In 129 BC Ptolemy acquired all the state with an exception of
Alexandria which still sympathized with Cleopatra. Euergetes captured
the city in 126 BC but a series of repressive measures did not made them
popular. In 123 BC Cleopatra had returned from an exile and another
co-regency with her husband brother started. Ptolemy VIII Euergetes called contemptuously by
Alexandrians a Physkon (Pot-belly) died on the28 of June 116 after 54
years of rule. He left in will rule over Egypt to his wife-niece,
Cleopatra III, and which ever of her sons she would prefer as a co
ruler. The next son was to rule independently over Cyprus. Cyrene was in
turn assigned to Ptolemy the Apion, son
of hetaera Eyrene.
h
140 -
116/5 - 101
Cleopatra III
nb(t)-tAwi kA-nxt
... ...
... ...
... ...
qlwptrt
tA nTrt mr(t) sn
nb(t)-tAwi kA-nxt
qlwptrt
Cleopatra
Daughter
of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II. She was married to Ptolemy VIII and gave
him five children: Ptolemy IX, Tryphaine, Cleopatra (IV), Ptolemy X and
Cleopatra Selene. She ruled with her husband and mother, later with
sons: Ptolemy IX and X. It seems that she played leading role on
Alexandrian court after Ptolemy VIII’s death and she held actually the
rule until being murdered on Ptolemy X order in September 101 BC.
i
132 - 130
Horsiese
... ...
... ...
... ...
... ...
Hr-sA-is(t
) sA-wsjr
... ...
Presumably
son of Paious. Ruled over Tebaida for two years, in 39-40 year of the
reign of Ptolemy VIII. He is disclosed by Greek and demotic historical
sources. After being expelled of Thebes he seized a rule at el-Hibe in
the Central Egypt and killed 16 September 130 BC.
9
116 - 107
89 - 81
Ptolemy IX Soter II Lathyros ( Pea)
Hr Dsr-mswt-Hna-Hpw-anx
nTri-xpr(w) Htr-msxn(t)-nt-sA-Ast , kA nxt
ity-psD-m-tAmri-mi-Hpw-anx-rdi-n.f-Hbw-sd-aSAw-wrw-mi-tA-Tnn-it-nTrw
pA nTr mri-mwt , pA nTr nti
nHm , nTr wi mrwi mwt , nTr w mrw mwt
iwa-(n)-nTr-mnx-nTrt-mr(t)-mwt.s-nDt(t)
stp.n-ptH Setepenptah(Chosen Of Ptah) iri-mAat-ra Irimaatre(Who
Brings Forth The Order Of Re) sxm-anx-n-imnSekhemankhenamon(The
Living Image Of Amun)
ptwlmis (anx-Dtmri-ptH)
Ptolemajos
ankh det Meriptah
(Ptolemy, Living Forever ; Beloved Of Ptah)
Πτολεμαιος Σωτηρ Λαθυρος
Ptolemaios Soter Lathuros
The
eldest son of Cleopatra III and Ptolemy VIII Euergetes. Husband and brother
of Cleopatra IV. His father left him a kingship of Cyprus. However, after
death of Cleopatra II he ruled Egypt alongside his mother. In 107 BC exiled
by his mother and Alexandrians he found refuge on Cyprus while rule in Egypt
fell to his brother Ptolemy X Alexander and Cleopatra III. Involuntarily he
replaced his brother on a throne of Cyprus. A result thereof was a ruthless
struggle between Lathyros and Alexander. Banished by Alexandrians in 107,
after death of Ptolemy X Alexander returned and took a throne again in 89 BC
and in 88 with his daughter Berenice III. He died
in December 81 without leaving any male descendant.
mri-nTr-mnx-nTrt-mnxt-sAt-ra
stp.n-ptH
Setepenptah(Chosen Of Ptah) iri-mAat-ra Irimaatre(Who
Brings Forth The Order Of Re) sxm-anx-n-imnSekhemankhenamon(The
Living Image Of Amun)
ptwlmis Dd n.f alksntrs (anx--Dt mri-ptH)
Ptolemajos djed nef Aleksandros ankh djet
Meriptah(Ptolemy Called Alexander,
Living Forever ; Beloved Of Ptah)
Πτολεμαιος Aλεξανδρος
Ptolemaios Alexandros
Son
of Cleopatra III and Ptolemy Euergetes II, brother of Ptolemy IX and Cleopatras:
IV, Selene and Tryphaine. According to his father’s testimony he was
assigned to rule Cyprus but he strove for it many years standing up to his
brothers-and-sisters’ intrigues. In turn he took a throne of Alexandria in
107 BC as a result of his mother’s intrigues and after banishing his brother
to Cyprus. In 102 BC without keeping up any appearances he deprived his
mother both of rule and life. Traditionally, he shared a rule with his
wife-niece – Berenice III.
Daughter
of Ptolemy IX by Kleopatra Selene, after her father’s death she ruled in
Egypt for half a year as a Tea Philopator, which was her cult name.
After a Roman dictator Sulla had been driven out, Ptolemy XI returned to
Alexandria and married the step-mother in order to strengthen his claim
to the rule. A few days later he had murdered her.
11
80
Ptolemy
XI Alexander II
After
Ptolemy IX death Rome assigned to him a rule over Alexandria. As soon as he
ascended the throne he murdered his stepmother Berenice III being also his
just married wife. For that reason Alexandrians put him to death at
Gymnasion. No titulary is known for him.
12
80 - 58
55 - 51
Ptolemy XII Neo
Dionysos (NewDionysos)
Auletes (Flutist)
pA nTr mri it snt wsir Hwnw
, pA nTr mri it.f-snw , nTrwi mrwi it mrwi snw
iwa-n-pA-nTr-nti-nHmiwa
en panetjer nehem (The
Heir Of The Saviour God)
stp.n-ptH
Setepenptah(Chosen Of Ptah) iri-mAat-n-ra Irimaatenre(Who
Brings Forth The Order Of Re)
ptwlmis (anx-Dt mri-ptH-Ast)Ptolemajos ankh det
Meriptah Iset
(Ptolemy,Living Forever ; Beloved Of
Ptah And Isis)
Πτολεμαιος Νεος Διόνυσος
Ptolemaios Neos Dionusos
Ruler
elected by Alexandrians despite lack of any ancestral rights to the throne
other but his later marriage with Cleopatra V Tryphaine. He sought Roman
favours whose claim to rule Egypt was more and more evident. In year 59 BC
he obtained a title of a “friend of Romans” in return for financial support
of Caesar. Contributed to annexation of Cyprus by Rome and to his brother’s
death,
Ptolemy of Cyprus. In Alexandria he was unpopular to such a degree that
in 58 BC he was forced to turn to Rome for aid against his own subordinates.
At a price of 10 000 talents he managed to get back his throne in
Alexandria. Soon afterwards he murdered his own daughter Berenice IV. Died
at the beginning of a year 51, detested by everybody.
k
58 - 55
Berenice IV
... ...
... ...
... ...
... ...
birnikt
Daughter of
Ptolemy XII by Kleopatra V Tryphaine. After driving her father out of
Rome she held rule over Egypt, initially together with her mother and
after her death in 57 BC – independently. In 56 BC she married
Archelaos, son of Mitrydates VI. In 55 BC after his return to Rome,
Ptolemy XII ordered to kill Berenice an many of her followers.
13
51 - 47
Ptolemy XIII
Πτολεμαιος Θεος Φιλοπατωρ
Ptolemaios Theos Philopator
At
the moment of his father’s death Ptolemy XIII was only 10 years old. At this
age after Auletes’ last will he shared rule with his elder sister, 17 years
old Cleopatra. On behalf of the young heir to the throne the rule was held
by: Pothejnos , Theodotes from Chios and Achillas, a commander-in-chief.
They caused disagreement in the royal family and drove Cleopatra out of
Egypt. In 48 he slew Pompey who was seeking refuge in Egypt after being
defeated by Caesar in a battle at Pharsalos. In March 47 drowned a ship on
which Ptolemy tried to escape from Caesar’s army.
No titulary is known for him.
14
47 - 44
Ptolemy XIV Philopator ( The Child )
Brother
of Cleopatra VII and Ptolemy XIII. Upon death of Ptolemy XIII, on
Caesar’s motion became nominally a ruler by marrying to Cleopatra, his
brother’s widow. At that time he was about 12 years old and had no
influence on rules held by Cleopatra. He died in 44 BC when poisoned
probably by his own sister.
15
51 - 30
Cleopatra
VII Philopater (LovingFather)
wr(t) nb(t)-nfrw Ax(t)-sH
... ...
... ...
... ...
qlwpdrt (nTrt mr(t)-it.s)
nTrt mr(t) it.s
qlwpdrt (nTrt mr(t)-it.s)Cleopatra, neczeret meret
ites (The Goddess
Cleopatra Who Is Beloved Of Her Father)
qlwpdrt
Cleopatra
Κλεοπατρα Θεα Φιλοπατωρ
Kleopatra Thea Philopator
Daughter
of Ptolemy XII, sister of Kleopatra VI Tryphaine, Berenike IV, Arsinoe,
Ptolemy XIII and XIV. She was 18 years old as in 51 BC she came to the
throne by marrying her own brother, 13 years old Ptolemy XIII. She was
very well educated, spoke many oriental languages. She got into conflict
with her regency council which drove her out of Alexandria in 49 BC. Her
teenaged brother, aided by three of regents: Poteinos, Achillas and
Teodotos, did not let her return. As known, she regained the throne with
support of Julius Caesar who played a role of arbiter between the sister
and brother. Hostile attitude of Poteinos who stirred up Alexandrians
and Ptolemeian army drove to Alexandrian war. It resulted in imprisoning
of Ptolemy XIII, burning of Alexandrian library, and taking by Caesar
the control over palace district and port with lighthouse at Faros and
finally victory of tiny Roman army over the Egyptian one, counting more
than 20 thousand warriors. In 47 BC Alexandria surrendered to Caesar and
Kleopatra. After Ptolemy XIII’s death Kleopatra gained fullness of royal
power, formally assigning Ptolemy XIV as a co-regent. In 46 BC she
visited Rome where Caesar celebrated his triumph. After Ceasar’s death
in March 44, Cleopatra avoided political intrigues and did not take part
in struggle for rule in Rome. In April she returned to Egypt. However
famous meeting with Antonius at Tarsos made Kleopatra a partisan of
Marcus Antonius whom she later bore three children: Alexandros
Helios, Cleopatra Selene and Ptolemy Philadelphos. Antony was defeated
by Partos. His wife Fulvia and brother Lucius set him at variance with
Octavian. In aftermaths of this conflict war was unavoidable, despite
Antony’s marriage with Octavia, the Octavian’s sister. In 34 BC Antonius
confirmed Kleoptara’s royal power as queen of Egypt and Cyprus and
accepted Ptolemy XV Caesarion which was evident politic attack against
Octavian who did not recognize the son of Caesar. In 32 BC Antony was
deprived of designation for office of consul as well as other leading
functions. Kleopatra declared war against Rome. Strategic mistakes done
by Antony, treason and desertion of legions lead to battle at Actium in
31 BC. After treason of Cyrenaica, Syria and Jewish state as well as
Egyptian fleet and cavalary, Egypt was no more able to defend from
Octavian’s and Gaius Gallus’s aggression. August 1, 30 BC Alexandria had
been conquered. Antonius committed suicide. So did Cleoptara on 12
August 30 BC, thus giving end to the Ptolemaic Period in Egypt. The
Land of the Pharaohs became just a district of Roman Empire.
iwa-(n)-pA-nTr-nti-nHm
stp.n-ptH
Setepenptah(Chosen Of Ptah) iri-mAat-ra Irimaatre(Who
Brings Forth The Order Of Re) sxm-anx-n-imnSekhemankhenamon(The
Living Image Of Amun)
ptwlmis Dd.tw-n.f kisrsPtolemajos djed tunef
kesaros (Ptolemy Called
Caesar)
Πτολεμαιος Φιλοπατωρ Φιλομητωρ Καισαρ
Ptolemaios Philopator Philometor Kaisar
Born
on 23 June 47 BC, son of Kleopatra and Julius Caesar. Formally he ruled
with his mother as Ptolemy XV Caesar, called by Alexandrians Caesarion.
Proclaimed co-regent after death of Ptolemy XIV, when he was three years
old. After the battle at Actium he fled to India but returned under
Octavian’s instigation. Betrayed by Augustus he found death instead of
the promised rule. Caesarion’s sister-and-brothers were brought up by
Octavia. Kleopatra Selene was married to Juba II, the king of
Mauretania, in 20 BC. Her son, the last of Ptolemys, was king of
Mauretania in years 23-40 AD. In 40 AD he was executed by Kaligula.
H
T
