Ptolemy XIII

Ptolemy XIII became co-ruler of Egypt with his older sister Cleopatra VII after the death of their father Ptolemy XII. He was about 11 years old, and his advisors quickly marginalized Cleopatra. This led to a power struggle between the siblings.

Ptolemy XIII's forces besieged Julius Caesar and Cleopatra VII in the royal palace of Alexandria. The conflict, known as the Alexandrian War, lasted several months. Ptolemy's army was eventually defeated by Roman reinforcements.

Ptolemy XIII's advisors, led by the eunuch Pothinus, expelled Cleopatra VII from Alexandria. She fled to Syria and raised an army to reclaim the throne. This act triggered a civil war in Egypt and drew the attention of Julius Caesar.

Ptolemy XIII drowned in the Nile River while attempting to flee after his defeat at the Battle of the Nile. His death ended the civil war and allowed Cleopatra VII to become sole ruler of Egypt, with Caesar's support.