Cleopatra and Julius Caesar

Caesar and Cleopatra formed an alliance based on her need to regain her throne and his need for money. They become lovers and spent the winter besieged by the forces of Cleopatra’s brother, Ptolemy XIII. Roman reinforcements arrived the following spring and Ptolemy XIII fled and drowned in the Nile.

Cleopatra was forced to marry her next brother, Ptolemy XIV, but was restored to her throne. She gave birth to her son Ptolemy Caesar in 47 BC, though the identity of the boy’s father cannot now be proven.

Caesar returned to Rome in 46 BC. Cleopatra paid at least one state visit, accompanied by her husband-brother and son and was in Rome when Caesar was murdered in 44 BC.

Cleopatra’s brother Ptolemy XIV died in 44 BC shortly after her return to Alexandria from Rome. Cleopatra now ruled with her infant son, Ptolemy XV Caesar.

Ptolemy Caesar, the last member of the Ptolemy dynasty, was put to death by Octavian, and Egypt became a Roman province.