Cleopatra: Part 10
Pothinus’ Betrayal Revealed
As the siege dragged on, Caesar uncovered a dangerous conspiracy within his own ranks. Pothinus, one of Ptolemy XIII’s chief advisers, had secretly established contact with Achillas and the Egyptian besiegers early in the conflict.
Shortly after Achillas’ assassination, one of Caesar’s slaves intercepted communications linking Pothinus to the enemy. Fearing that Pothinus might help free Ptolemy or undermine the Roman position from within, Caesar ordered his execution.
Ganymedes Targets the Water Supply
Meanwhile, Ganymedes sought a different way to break Caesar’s resistance. Rather than launching direct assaults, he targeted the Romans’ water supply.
Caesar soon noticed that the water available to his troops had become increasingly brackish. Although he attempted to reassure his soldiers, Ganymedes had deliberately contaminated the water system with seawater. Consequently, the Romans were forced to dig new wells to secure fresh drinking water.
Despite the crisis, Caesar managed to maintain morale and hold his position.
Reinforcements Arrive
At a critical moment, help finally reached the trapped Romans. Elements of the Thirty-Seventh Legion, a former Pompeian formation now loyal to Caesar, arrived by sea carrying much-needed supplies, artillery and additional manpower.
As a result, Caesar’s situation improved considerably, although control of the harbour remained essential.
The Fight for Naval Supremacy
Naval power became increasingly important during the siege. Whoever controlled Alexandria’s harbours controlled the flow of reinforcements, supplies and communication with the outside world.
After rebuilding much of the fleet destroyed in the harbour fires, Ganymedes assembled 27 warships. In response, Caesar deployed a fleet of 19 warships and 15 smaller vessels near Pharos Island.
Initially, both fleets faced each other across dangerous shoals and a narrow channel. Neither commander wished to risk making the first move.
The stalemate ended when Euphranor, commander of Caesar’s Rhodian allies, boldly led four Rhodian ships through the channel. His small force delayed the Alexandrians long enough for the rest of Caesar’s fleet to follow.
Caesar Secures the Sea
Once battle was joined, the Romans gained the advantage. Although the Alexandrians possessed considerable skill as sailors, the confined waters limited manoeuvring and forced brutal close-quarters combat.
This favoured the Romans.
Consequently, Caesar’s fleet captured two Alexandrian ships and sank three more. The remaining vessels retreated back to the Eunostos Harbour, leaving Caesar in control of the sea approaches and strengthening his grip on Alexandria.
Turning the Tide
With Pothinus eliminated, fresh reinforcements arriving and a vital naval victory secured, Caesar’s position improved significantly. Nevertheless, the siege was far from over. Ganymedes and the Egyptian forces remained determined opponents, and the struggle for Alexandria would soon enter another critical phase.
Further Reading
Readers interested in learning more about Cleopatra VII, the Ptolemaic dynasty, and the Roman figures who shaped her world may find the following references useful.
Historical References
Julius Caesar, De Bello Alexandrino (The Alexandrian War)
https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Caesar/Alexandrian_War/home.html
Cassius Dio, Roman History, Book 42
https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/42*.html
Plutarch, Life of Caesar
https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Caesar*.html
Appian, The Civil Wars
https://www.livius.org/sources/content/appian/appian-civil-wars/
Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars (The Life of Julius Caesar)
https://www.guten
Recommended Non-Fiction Books
- Adrian Goldsworthy, Caesar: Life of a Colossus
- Stacy Schiff, Cleopatra: A Life
- Duane W. Roller, Cleopatra: A Biography
- Michael Grant, Cleopatra
- Barry Strauss, The Death of Caesar
Recommended Historical Fiction
- Colleen McCullough, The October Horse
- Margaret George, The Memoirs of Cleopatra
- Michelle Moran, Cleopatra’s Daughter
- Stephanie Dray, Lily of the Nile
- Conn Iggulden, Emperor: The Gods of War