Cleopatra’s Co-Rule and Exile

Her early rule, beginning in 51 BCE at just 18 years old following her father’s death,

was dictated by Ptolemaic custom: she was forced into a political marriage with her 10-year-old

brother, Ptolemy XIII, with whom she was to co-rule as joint sovereigns.

Egyptian law and Ptolemaic precedent required sibling marriage to preserve dynastic purity,

but it also created constant tension. Within months, Cleopatra began issuing royal decrees

in her name alone, a bold assertion of sole authority that alienated the powerful eunuch

Pothinus and other courtiers who preferred a more pliable child-king. By 49 BCE, open conflict erupted.

Ptolemy XIII, under the influence of his regent, declared himself sole ruler and expelled