The pharaoh who reigned immediately before Cleopatra VII was Ptolemy XII Auletes.
Ptolemy XII, also known by his full royal name Ptolemy Neos Dionysos Theos Philopator Theos Philadelphos, was the father of Cleopatra VII. His reign was characterized by significant political instability and a growing reliance on the Roman Republic, which profoundly influenced the trajectory of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.
The Reign of Ptolemy XII Auletes
Ptolemy XII earned the epithet Auletes, meaning "the Flute Player," likely due to his interest in musical performance. His time on the throne was far from peaceful, marked by internal family strife and external Roman pressure.
Key Aspects of His Rule:
- Two Separate Reigns: Ptolemy XII ruled Egypt on two distinct occasions. This unusual circumstance highlights the turbulent political climate of his era.
- First Reign (80–58 BC): During this period, he focused heavily on securing Roman recognition of his legitimacy as pharaoh, often through significant financial concessions.
- Exile (58–55 BC): He was exiled from Egypt by his own people due to dissatisfaction with his pro-Roman policies and his perceived weakness. During this time, his daughter Berenice IV usurped the throne and ruled in his place.
- Second Reign (55–51 BC): With the critical support and military intervention of the Roman general Aulus Gabinius, Ptolemy XII was forcibly restored to power. His return was brutal, involving the execution of Berenice IV and further cementing Egypt's dependence on Rome.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Ptolemy XII Auletes |
| Full Royal Name | Ptolemy Neos Dionysos Theos Philopator Theos Philadelphos |
| Relationship to Cleopatra | Father |
| Reigns | Two separate periods: 80–58 BC and 55–51 BC |
| Notable Event | Exiled and later restored by Roman intervention; his daughter, Berenice IV, briefly ruled in his absence. |
Legacy and Succession
Ptolemy XII's heavy reliance on Rome, incurring massive debts and allowing increasing Roman influence in Egyptian affairs, ultimately paved the way for the challenges Cleopatra VII would face. His death in 51 BC led to the joint rule of Cleopatra VII and her younger brother Ptolemy XIII, as stipulated in his will. This set the stage for Cleopatra's legendary efforts to restore Egypt's power and independence by engaging directly with the most influential figures of the Roman world.
For further information on Ptolemy XII's reign and the late Ptolemaic period, you can consult historical resources on the Ptolemaic Dynasty and the life of Cleopatra VII.
