Cleopatra VII - part 2
Jan 14th, 2007 by Lee (admin)
Around 48 BC the Greeks, led by Theodotus, Pothinus and a general, Achillas, overthrew Cleopatra and replaced her with her younger brother as they believed he would be a more legitimate ruler whilst being easy to influence.
This action may have forced Cleopatra to flee to Thebaid. Between 51 and 49 BC, the Nile did not flood as usual, causing Egypt to experience a period of drought and famine. At this time Ptolemy XIII signed a decree banning shipments of grain to anywhere other than Alexandria, presumambly in an attempt to starve Cleopatra and her growing number of supporters.
Nevertheless, she created an army from the Arab tribes who were located east of Pelusium. She herself moved into Syria and then into Ascalon. During this period Pompey had been defeated at Pharsalus.
He travelled to Alexandria, seeking refuge with his ward, Ptolemy XIII. He did not realise the consequences of his defeat at Pharsalus though - he was murdered as he stepped ashore at Alexandria. Ptolemy XIII stood on the dock and watched the whole scene.
Four days later and the legendary Caesar arrived in Alexandria, bringing 3200 legionaries and 800 cavalry with him. Rioting broke out in Alexandria and Ptolemy XIII went to Pelusium.
Caesar installed himself in the royal palace and started giving out his orders. The Greek, Pothinus, brought Ptolemy XIII back to Alexandria to meet with Caesar. Cleopatra, not wishing to be left out of any deals, had herself smuggled in through enemy lines rolled in a carpet. Both Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII were brought before Caesar the next morning.
Cleopatra and Caesar were already lovers by this time and Ptolemy realised this and went to the Alexandrian crowd, trying to incite them once more.
It is thought that Caesar’s plan was to make Cleopatra the sole ruler of Alexandria and then use her as a puppet in just the same way the Greeks had attempted with her younger brother previously.
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