Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator Cause of Death
Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (62 BC – 13 January 47 BC) was the Pharaoh of Egypt from 51 to 47 BC, and one of the last members of the Ptolemaic dynasty (305–30 BC). He was Ptolemy XII’s son and Cleopatra VII’s brother and co-ruler. Cleopatra’s departure from Egypt triggered a civil war between the pharaohs….
Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (62 BC – 13 January 47 BC) was the Pharaoh of Egypt from 51 to 47 BC, and one of the last members of the Ptolemaic dynasty (305–30 BC). He was Ptolemy XII’s son and Cleopatra VII’s brother and co-ruler. Cleopatra’s departure from Egypt triggered a civil war between the pharaohs. Later, Ptolemy shared power with his other sister, Arsinoe IV.
Cleopatra was forced to flee to Syria by Ptolemy XIII and Pothinus, but she quickly organized her own army, sparking a civil war in Egypt. Soon after, their other sister began to claim the throne as Arsinoe IV of Egypt (r. 48-47 BC), complicating matters even further.
At this point, the defeated Roman general Pompey the Great fled to Egypt in search of refuge from his pursuer, Julius Caesar. Ptolemy XIII pretended to accept his request at first, but on September 29, 48 BC, he had the general assassinated by Achillas and Lucius Septimius in the hopes of gaining favor with Caesar when the victorious general arrived.
When Caesar arrived, he was given the head of his deceased rival and former ally, but instead of being executed, he was reportedly beheaded.
Cause Of Death
He was reported to have drowned on 13 January 47 BC while attempting to cross the Nile river.
