Cleopatra III of Egypt vs Hilderic

Cleopatra III married her uncle Ptolemy VIII Physcon, becoming queen consort. This marriage was part of the dynastic struggles within the Ptolemaic family, as Ptolemy VIII had previously been married to her mother Cleopatra II.

After the reconciliation between Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra II, Cleopatra III became co-ruler alongside her mother and husband. This tripartite rule was unstable but allowed Cleopatra III to gain political experience.

After Ptolemy VIII's death, Cleopatra III became regent for her sons Ptolemy IX Lathyros and later Ptolemy X Alexander. She dominated the government, making key decisions and controlling the throne.

Cleopatra III forced her son Ptolemy IX Lathyros to flee to Cyprus after a power struggle, replacing him with her younger son Ptolemy X Alexander. This internal conflict weakened the Ptolemaic dynasty.

Cleopatra III was murdered by her son Ptolemy X Alexander, who ordered her execution to secure his own power. Her death marked the end of her influential role in Ptolemaic politics.

Hilderic became king of the Vandals, succeeding Thrasamund. His reign marked a shift in Vandal policy, as he pursued reconciliation with the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church, reversing the Arian persecution of Catholics.

Hilderic was overthrown in a coup led by his cousin Gelimer, who accused him of weakness and pro-Roman policies. Hilderic was imprisoned, and Gelimer seized the Vandal throne, ending Hilderic's reign.

As Byzantine forces under Belisarius invaded Vandal Africa, Gelimer ordered the execution of Hilderic and his supporters. This act removed a potential rival claimant and eliminated a figure whom the Byzantines might have used to legitimize their invasion.