Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos
80-58 & 55-51 B.C.
Ptolemaic Dynasty
Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos was the illegitimate
son of Lathyros (Ptolemy IX Soter II). His younger
brother became governor of Cyprus and Ptolemy
XII came to Alexandria to rule after the death of
Ptolemy XI Alexander II. He was often referred to
by his subjects as the Bastard or the Flute Player
(Auletes). He referred to himself as 'Theos
Philopator Philadelphos Neos Dionysos'. It is only
in the history books that he is referred to as
Ptolemy XII. He was married to his sister-wife,
Cleopatra V Tryphaena and was the father of the
famous Cleopatra VII, who grew up to be the last
of the Ptolemies.
In 59 BC, he raised enough money to bribe
Caesar, who was now consul for Rome. However,
he was driven out of Alexandria in 58 BC. This
occurred partly because of his tameness when
Rome absorbed Cyprus. In his absence, he left as
co-regents his wife-sister Cleopatra V
Tryphaena and their eldest daughter, Berenice IV.
Cleopatra Tryphaena died about a year later and
Berenice IV ruled as sole regent. She was made to
marry Seleucus Kybiosaktes but after a short
time, she had him strangled. Auletes returned to
the throne in 55 BC and ruled until his death in
51 BC. On his death, he left his regency to his
daughter Cleopatra VII.
- (FJ.7145a)
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