When Caesar entered Egypt, Ptolemy gifted him Pompey Gnaeus Pompey Magnus, usually known in English as Pompey or Pompey the Great, was a military and political leader of the late Roman Republic. He came from a wealthy Italian provincial background, and his father had been the first to establish the family among the Roman no…Pompey
Why did Julius Caesar go to war with Egypt?
From August 48 BC until January 47 BC, Caesar was besieged in Alexandria, Egypt with about 4,000 men. He was attempting to resolve the Egyptian Civil War between Ptolemy XIII and his sister Cleopatra.
How did Ptolemy expel Julius Caesar from Egypt?
After Caesar met with Cleopatra and detained her brother, the young King Ptolemy XIII, Ptolemy's regent Pothinus colluded with the Egyptian general Achillas to expel Caesar. Achillas and 20,000 men marched on Alexandria where Caesar waited with only 4,000 men.
How did Julius Caesar and Cleopatra become lovers?
Caesar soon found himself in the middle of a civil war between Ptolemy and his Egyptian co-regent Cleopatra. Caesar became her lover and partnered with her to overthrow Ptolemy and make her ruler of Egypt. The pair never married but their long-term affair produced a son, Ptolemy XV Caesar, known as Caesarion.
How did Pothinus expel Julius Caesar from Egypt?
After Caesar met with Cleopatra and detained her brother, the young King Ptolemy XIII, Ptolemy's regent Pothinus colluded with the Egyptian general Achillas to expel Caesar. Achillas and 20,000 men marched on Alexandria where Caesar waited with only 4,000 men. Caesar had little choice but to secure what he could and prepare for a siege.
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When did Julius Caesar come to Egypt?
2nd October 48 BCJulius Caesar arrived in pursuit of Pompey at Alexandria, Egypt on 2nd October 48 BC.
Why was Julius Caesar in Alexandria?
Caesar attempted to mediate a succession dispute between Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII and exact repayment of certain Egyptian debts. Arriving in Alexandria in October 48 BC and seeking initially to apprehend Pompey, his enemy in the civil war, Caesar found that Pompey had been assassinated by Ptolemy XIII's men.
What was Julius Caesar's relationship with Egypt?
A mutually beneficial relationship Cleopatra required the might of Caesar's armies to install her as ruler of Egypt, while Caesar was in need of Cleopatra's vast wealth. She is believed to have been the world's richest woman at the time and able to finance Caesar's return to power in Rome.
How long was Caesar held in Egypt?
The Egyptian army laid siege to the palace and kept Caesar and Cleopatra captive for six months.
Who defeated Alexandria?
Octavian CaesarThe city became his base of operations over the next thirteen years until he and Cleopatra were defeated by Octavian Caesar at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE.
Who was the last pharaoh of Egypt?
Cleopatra VIICleopatra VII, often simply called "Cleopatra," was the last of a series of rulers called the Ptolemies who ruled ancient Egypt for nearly 300 years. Cleopatra ruled an empire that included Egypt, Cyprus, part of modern-day Libya and other territories in the Middle East.
Why was Caesar assassinated?
Caesar had been recently named “dictator in perpetuity” of the Roman Republic. Ongoing tensions between Caesar and the Senate, amid fears that he also planned to claim the title of king, overthrow the Senate and rule as a tyrant, were the principal motives for his assassination. Personal jealousies also came into play.
How did the Alexandrian war end?
Ptolemy attempted to intercept him before he could reach Caesar, but his first attacks failed. He then left Alexandria to take command of the next attack in person, while Caesar rushed to aid his ally. The resulting battle of the Nile ended as a clear Roman victory.
Why did Pompey flee to Egypt?
When Pompey's senatorial forces fell upon Caesar's smaller army, they were entirely routed, and Pompey fled to Egypt. Pompey hoped that King Ptolemy, his former client, would assist him, but the Egyptian king feared offending the victorious Caesar.
Why did Julius Caesar go to Egypt?
Therefore, Caesar would go to Egypt in order to check up on them.
Why did Caesar get involved in the Egyptian Civil War?
Basically, Caesar then decided to get involved in the Egyptian civil war between the kid pharaoh, and Cleopatra (why he did so I have no clue, but it is speculated that due to the kid having to do something with Pompey's death). After defeating the pharaoh's armies at the Battle of the Nile ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Nile_ (47_BC )), he installed Cleopatra as ruler, and then proceeded to become infatuated by her.
Why did Caesar leave Egypt?
Taking the sixth veteran legion with him into Syria, he left the rest in Egypt to support the authority of the king and queen, neither of whom stood well in the affections of their subjects, on account of their attachment to Caesar, nor could be supposed to have given any fixed foundation to their power, in an administration of only a few days' continuance.
What was the battle between Caesar and Pompey?
What followed were skirmishes in Italy, a brief interlude of conquering Pompey's troops in Spain, then head-to-head battles in Greece and Asia. Pompey lost to Caesar at the Battle of Pharsalus, and tried to regroup and add to his forces. He was the "protector" in Rome of Egypt at the time, and ultimately wound up seeking military aid from Ptolemy XIII.
Did Caesar give Cleopatra the kingdom?
In this way Caesar overcame Egypt. He did not, however, make it subject to the Romans, but bestowed it upon Cleopatra, for whose sake he had waged the conflict. Yet, being afraid that the Egyptians might rebel again, because they were delivered over to a woman to rule, and that the Romans might be angry, both on this account and because he was living with the woman, he commanded her to "marry" her other brother, and gave the kingdom to both of them, at least nominally. For in reality Cleopatra was to hold all the power alone, since her husband was still a boy, and in view of Caesar's favour there was nothing that she could not do. Hence her living with her brother and sharing the rule with him was a mere pretence which she accepted, whereas in truth she ruled alone and spent her time in Caesar's company.
Who put Ptolemy and Cleopatra back on the throne?
Caesar attempted to resolve the dynastic dispute, as Rome had done with previous Egyptian rebellions., and he put Ptolemy and Cleopatra back on their joint thrones. Ptolemy's advisors did not appreciate the loss of power and assembled Ptolemy's troops out side the city. Caesar put Ptolemy into "protective custody". Ptolemy's general Achillas executed the ambassadors who had brokered the truce, and the Egyptian army attacked the palace. Full-out civil war started between Ptolemy's forces and Cleopatra's (bolstered by Caesar's legions).
Did Caesar relax at Pompey's death?
Caesar was very, very busy. He didn't "relax" at the death of Pompey : the Civil War wasn't over, he still had to battle troops loyal to Pompey, as well as deal with an uprising in client kingdom of Pontus.
Who drowned in the Nile?
It took reinforcements of Roman allies to significantly turn the tide in Caesar's favor. Attempting to escape, Ptolemy XIII drowned in the Nile, in armor. Caesar stayed in Alexandria for a while, famously going on a cruise down the Nile with Cleopatra. He then went to fight Pharnaces at the Battle of Zela.
Who was the most likely to win the Roman Civil War?
The trio of advisors thought they would "please" Caesar, who they deemed the most likely to win the Roman civil war, and beheaded Pompey … presenting the head to Caesar when he arrived shortly after. Caesar was not pleased.
Who was Julius Caesar's rival?
Julius Caesar arrived in pursuit of Pompey at Alexandria, Egypt on 2nd October 48 BC. Presented with the head and signet ring of his rival by Theodotus, the advisor of King Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopater, Caesar reportedly wept. This display by the 14 year old king, intended to garner support from the great Roman in the dynastic struggle ...
Why did Caesar display his 14 year old sister?
This display by the 14 year old king, intended to garner support from the great Roman in the dynastic struggle against his sister Cleopatra VII Thea Philopater, likely was all that was necessary to push Caesar against him.
What did Ptolemy do to keep the throne?
During those years, murder and bribery to keep the throne marked his rule. Ptolemy borrowed incredible sums of money from Roman money lenders and used it to bribe such prominent politicians as Crassus and Caesar himself. Doing so helped prop up his feeble reign, but also soured the people of Egypt against him.
What was Cleopatra's gift to Caesar?
She was slipped into some bed coverings and presented to Caesar as a gift. Though little is known of the actual meeting, it's quite clear that the young queen made an enormous impression on the great Roman. Though her 'beauty' is disputed, (at worst probably plain of appearance) Cleopatra was young and virile.
How was Cleopatra rowed?
Cleopatra was rowed in a small rowboat by a single Sicilian, by name of Apollodorus. Upon reaching the palace area, the only way to enter Caesar's presence was to conceal herself in such a manner without arousing suspicion of her brother's men. The story of Cleopatra being rolled in a carpet, while false, is still true in essence. She was slipped into some bed coverings and presented to Caesar as a gift. Though little is known of the actual meeting, it's quite clear that the young queen made an enormous impression on the great Roman. Though her 'beauty' is disputed, (at worst probably plain of appearance) Cleopatra was young and virile. She was elegant and charismatic, but most of all, she had power and money, and Caesar probably supposed she was susceptible to manipulation. Caesar, at 52 years old and 35 years her elder, was easily seduced, or perhaps even seduced her, as Caesar's affairs were legendary anyway. Cleopatra was politically brilliant and secured Caesar's loyalty, certainly not only through sexual pleasure, but through manipulation of her own. She was, and Caesar was well aware, the key to controlling the vast wealth of Egypt. Caesar was, and she was well aware, the key to securing her place as Queen, and perhaps even Pharaoh, and the power of the gods.
How old was Cleopatra when she was seduced?
Caesar, at 52 years old and 35 years her elder, was easily seduced, or perhaps even seduced her, as Caesar's affairs were legendary anyway. Cleopatra was politically brilliant and secured Caesar's loyalty, certainly not only through sexual pleasure, but through manipulation of her own.
How many men did Caesar have to take over Pompey?
When Caesar arrived with just 4,000 men, or just under one full legion, he immediately took over the palace and presumed to secure his authority.
When was Julius Caesar born?
Early Life of Gaius Julius Caesar. Gaius Julius Caesar was born on or around July 13, 100 B.C., to his father, also named Gaius Julius Caesar, and his mother Aurelia Cotta. He was also the nephew of the famous Roman general Gaius Marius. Caesar traced his bloodline to the origins of Rome and claimed to be a descendant of ...
What was Caesar known for?
After Sulla’s death in 78 B.C., Caesar returned to Rome and became a successful prosecutor widely known for his oratory skills.
How many times did Caesar stab Caesar?
On the Ides of March (March 15, 44 B.C.), the senators, led by Gaius Cassius Longinus, Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus and Marcus Junius Brutus, stabbed Caesar 23 times, ending both his reign and his life as he fell bleeding onto the Senate floor at the feet of a statue of Pompey.
What are some famous quotes from Shakespeare?
The play is thought to have made its debut in 1599 at the Globe Theater in London and continues to mesmerize audiences to this day, inspiring songs, novels, films, television shows and even comedy acts. It has also provided many well-known quotes — attributed to Shakespeare, not Caesar — including: 1 “Et tu, Brute?” 2 “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” 3 “The fault dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves.” 4 “Beware the Ides of March.” 5 “Death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.”
How long did Julius Caesar rule?
In 46 B.C. he was made dictator of Rome for ten years, outraging his political opponents and setting the stage for the eventual end of the Roman Republic.
What happened after Caesar's ransom was paid?
After his ransom was paid, the pirates let him go. But Caesar hired a private fleet to hunt them down and had the pirates crucified for their crimes.
What were Caesar's last words?
Did you know? Unlike in the Shakespeare play, Caesar's last words were not "Et tu, Brute?" ("And you, Brutus?"). Instead they were reported as "You, too, my child?"
Why did Caesar open the battle with the Egyptians?
Caesar, knowing of the strong Egyptian position, opened the battle by having Roman-led legions destroy a Ptolemaic fort to try to lure the Egyptians off the hill. However, when the Egyptians stayed in their positions, the Roman army then engaged the Egyptian forces at the hill, resulting in fierce fighting between the two forces.
Who was the Egyptian leader who was captured by Caesar?
He was attempting to resolve the Egyptian Civil War between Ptolemy XIII and his sister Cleopatra. When Caesar began to appear to favor Cleopatra over him, Ptolemy was first captured, but then released by Caesar, and gathered his army to besiege the Romans in a small area of Alexandria.
How did Caesar arrive at the camp of Ptolemy?
The Egyptians had set up camp in a strong position along the Nile. Caesar arrived shortly afterwards, before Ptolemy could attack Mithridates' army. Caesar and Mithridates met 7 miles from Ptolemy's position. In order to reach the Egyptian camp they had to ford a small river. Ptolemy sent a detachment of cavalry and light infantry to stop them from crossing the river. Unfortunately for the Egyptians, Caesar had sent his Gallic and Germanic cavalry to ford the river ahead of the main army. They had crossed undetected. When Caesar arrived he had his men make makeshift bridges across the river and had his army charge the Egyptians. As they did the Gauls and Germans appeared and charged into the Egyptian flank and rear. The Egyptians broke and fled back to Ptolemy's camp.
Who was Caesar's ally?
Caesar had requested reinforcements from his ally, Mithridates of Pergamum, who marched overland from Asia Minor to assist him. Arriving in the Nile delta in January, Mithridates defeated an Egyptian force sent to stop him.
Who won the Battle of the Nile?
The Battle of the Nile in 47 BC saw the combined Roman – Egyptian armies of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra VII defeat those of the rival Queen Arsinoe IV and King Ptolemy XIII and secure the throne of Egypt.
Who was the leader of Egypt when the ship capsized?
Among the retreat included Ptolemy, who reputedly drowned when his ship capsized. Egypt was now in the hands of Caesar, who then lifted the Siege of Alexandria and placed Cleopatra on the throne with another of her brothers, Ptolemy XIV.
Who killed Cleopatra VII?
After pursuing his rival Pompey to Egypt, Caesar, recently victorious in a civil war closer to home, became entwined in the Alexandrine civil war after his rival, Pompey Magnus, was killed by King Ptolemy XIII in an attempt to please Caesar.
Who blamed Caesar?
Unfortunately most of the writers from Plutarch (who apparently blamed Caesar) to Edward Gibbons (a staunch atheist or deist who liked very much to blame Christians and blamed Theophilus) to Bishop Gregory (who was particularly anti-Moslem, blamed Omar) all had an axe to grind and consequently must be seen as biased.
What happened to Caesar in 48 BC?
In 48 BC, Caesar was pursuing Pompey into Egypt when he was suddenly cut off by an Egyptian fleet at Alexandria. Greatly outnumbered and in enemy territory, Caesar ordered the ships in the harbor to be set on fire. The fire spread and destroyed the Egyptian fleet.
What was Alexandria known for?
Alexandria had long been known for its violent and volatile politics. Christians, Jews and Pagans all lived together in the city. One ancient writer claimed that there was no people who loved a fight more than those of Alexandria.
What happened to Serapis' temple?
During his reign the Temple of Serapis was converted into a Christian Church (probably around 391 AD) and it is likely that many documents were destroyed then. The Temple of Serapis was estimated to hold about ten percent of the overall Library of Alexandria's holdings. After his death, his nephew Cyril became Patriarch.
What happened after Hierax's death?
Immediately after the death of Hierax a group of Jews who had helped instigate his killing lured more Christians into the street at night by proclaiming that the Church was on fire. When the Christians rushed out the largely Jewish mob slew many of them.
How many scrolls did Cleopatra have?
For instance, Mark Antony was supposed to have given Cleopatra over 200,000 scrolls for the Library long after Julius Caesar is accused of burning it.
When did the Moslems take Alexandria?
In 640 AD the Moslems took the city of Alexandria. Upon learning of "a great library containing all the knowledge of the world" the conquering general supposedly asked Caliph Omar for instructions. The Caliph has been quoted as saying of the Library's holdings, "they will either contradict the Koran, in which case they are heresy, ...
