Cleopatra’s Exile and Egypt’s Crisis

The Cleopatra Series: Part 6

Following the death of her father, Ptolemy XII Auletes, in 51 BC, Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator initially ruled alongside her younger brother and co-ruler, Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator. However, the arrangement quickly deteriorated, with Cleopatra fleeing for her life. Taking refuge in Syria, she began raising an army with the intention of reclaiming her throne.

At the same time, events across the Mediterranean were transforming the political landscape. Rome had become the dominant power of the age, and the Ptolemaic dynasty owed its very survival to Roman support. Simply put: Egypt was in debt to Rome.

Rome’s Civil War Reaches Egypt

Meanwhile, Rome descended deeper into civil war. In 49 BC, Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon and defeated his rival, Pompey the Great, at the Battle of Pharsalus. Pompey, who had once restored Cleopatra’s father to the Egyptian throne, fled to Egypt seeking sanctuary and support against Caesar.

However, his arrival prompted a deadly political calculation by Ptolemy XIII’s advisers.

Convinced that Pompey’s death would win Caesar’s favour, they lured the Roman statesman ashore at Pelusium, murdered him, and cut off his head. The advisers then sent Pompey’s head and signet ring to Alexandria as gifts for the approaching Caesar.

Caesar’s Unwelcome Gift

When Caesar arrived in Alexandria, Ptolemy XIII’s advisers greeted him with Pompey’s head and signet ring. Far from rewarding their actions, Caesar reacted with grief and disgust. Ancient sources record that the sight of Pompey’s severed head brought tears to his eyes. Whatever their rivalry, Pompey had once been Caesar’s ally and son-in-law.

Caesar announced that he would remain in Alexandria until Rome received payment of the Ptolemaic debts and until he had resolved the dispute between Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII. To enforce his authority, he disembarked a relatively small force of around 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers from his fleet and established himself in the royal palace.

Alexandria Erupts

Nevertheless, the Roman leader’s presence quickly inflamed tensions throughout the city. Roman soldiers marched along Alexandria’s grand Canopic Way, a constant reminder of foreign influence in Egyptian affairs. Resentment simmered among the city’s inhabitants before finally boiling over. Shouts turned into insults, insults gave way to stone-throwing, and before long riots erupted across Alexandria.

Instead of demonstrating Roman strength, Caesar had exposed his vulnerability. With only a small force at his disposal, he found himself confined to the palace complex alongside the young king and his scheming advisers. Outside, an increasingly hostile city threatened to cut him off from reinforcements and supplies.

What had begun as the pursuit of a defeated rival was rapidly developing into a political and military crisis. Yet amid the growing chaos, another claimant to the throne was making her move. Cleopatra was returning to Alexandria, and her arrival would change the course of history.

Blog

Cleopatra’s Exile and Egypt’s Crisis

The Cleopatra Series: Part 6

Rome’s Civil War Reaches Egypt

Caesar’s Unwelcome Gift

Alexandria Erupts

Further Reading

Historical References

Recommended Non-Fiction Books

Recommended Historical Fiction

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