Siege of Alexandria (47 BC)

The Siege of Alexandria was a series of skirmishes and battles occurring between the forces of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra VII and Ptolemy XIII between 48 and 47 BC. During this time Caesar was engaged in the Civil War between himself and the forces of the Senate.

Prelude

After the Battle of Pharsalus between the forces of Caesar and those of Gnaeus Pompey Magnus and the Senate the majority of the forces commanded by Pompey were scattered or surrendered to Caesar. Pompey however escaped via Amphipolis to Egypt. Pompey was killed upon landing in Egypt by former soldiers of his; Achillas and Lucius Septimius. The assassination was carried out by the advisors of the Pharaoh Ptolemy who deemed that they could endear themselves to Caesar by removing his enemy Pompey.

Events

Far from pleasing Caesar it caused him to weep for his one-time ally and son-in-law. Caesar demanded the money Ptolemy's father Ptolemy XII Auletes had been lent by Rome and agreed to settle the dispute between Ptolemy and his sister and co-regent Cleopatra VII. Caesar's choice to favor Cleopatra over her brother caused Ptolemy to lay siege to Alexandria with Cleopatra and Caesar inside. Utilising soldiers he had brought with him and a minor Italian militia left over from previous issues in 55 BC Caesar managed a defense of the city until relief came in the form of Mithridates of Pergamum, and Antipater from Judea. A final pitched battle was fought at the west side of the Nile with Caesar victorious.

Aftermath

Ptolemy's crown was passed to his younger brother Ptolemy XIV and Cleopatra as co-rulers. Caesar reportedly toured Egypt for two months with Cleopatra before renewing his activities in the civil war.

References

• M. Cary and H. H. Scullard, A History of Rome