Ptolemy VIII Physcon

Ptolemy VIII was forced to flee Alexandria after a conflict with his brother Ptolemy VI. He was granted rule over Cyrenaica by the Roman Senate, but his ambitions to expand his territory led to ongoing dynastic strife.

After Ptolemy VI's death, Ptolemy VIII returned to Egypt and married his sister Cleopatra II, then also married her daughter (his stepdaughter) Cleopatra III. This incestuous marriage caused a major scandal and led to civil war.

Ptolemy VIII ordered a brutal purge of intellectuals and scholars in Alexandria, including the philosopher Aristarchus of Samothrace. Many were exiled or killed, severely damaging the cultural and scholarly reputation of the city.

Cleopatra II led a rebellion against Ptolemy VIII, forcing him to flee to Cyprus. She ruled Egypt for several years until Ptolemy VIII returned with a mercenary army and recaptured Alexandria, leading to a brutal civil war.