History

When Julius Caesar Gave Cleopatra the Throne

In October 48 BC, the imperator arrived in Egypt to capture his rival Pompey. He ended up staying for nine months to fight the armies of Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII. Julius Caesar nearly lost his life in battle but ultimately triumphed. Before leaving, he entrusted the kingdom to the Greco-Egyptian princess, Cleopatra.

By Hrothsige Frithowulf
Caesar in Egypt Besieges Alexandria
After a two-month siege, the legionaries launched a desperate assault to seize the Alexandria lighthouse in December 48 BC. Over 400 of them were massacred by the Egyptian army (19th-century engraving). Credit: Bianchetti/Leemage

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