Berenice IV of Egypt

AncientEmperorPtolemaic Egypt-77 — -55

Elder sister of Cleopatra VII, briefly ruled.

Compare Berenice IV of Egypt with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

77 BCE

Died

55 BCE

Country

Ptolemaic Egypt

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)24

Political (20%)32

Influence (20%)42

Legacy (20%)33

Leadership (15%)50

Strategy (15%)54

Total Score38.8

Berenice IV of Egypt — Complete Timeline

58 BC

Accession to the thronePolitical Action◆ Major

Berenice IV became co-ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt alongside her mother Cleopatra V Tryphaena after her father Ptolemy XII Auletes was exiled to Rome. She ruled as the senior monarch after her mother's death in 57 BC.

Ptolemaic DynastySuccession

Impact: national

57 BC

Marriage to Seleucus KybiosactesPolitical Action

Berenice IV married Seleucus Kybiosactes, a claimant to the Seleucid throne, to strengthen her position. The marriage was brief and unhappy; she reportedly had him killed soon after.

MarriagePolitical Alliance

Impact: nationaldestructive

56 BC

Marriage to ArchelausPolitical Action

Berenice IV married Archelaus, a priest-king of Comana in Cappadocia, to secure a capable co-ruler. Archelaus claimed descent from Mithridates VI of Pontus, adding legitimacy to her reign.

MarriagePolitical Alliance

Impact: nationalconstructive

55 BC

Execution by Ptolemy XIIPolitical Action◆ Major

After Ptolemy XII Auletes returned to Egypt with Roman military support from Aulus Gabinius, he captured Alexandria and ordered the execution of Berenice IV. Her death ended her independent rule and restored her father to the throne.

ExecutionRestorationPtolemaic Dynasty

Impact: nationaltragic