Co-ruler of Egypt by
Élisabeth Sophie Chéron, published c. 1736, based on a 1st-century BC medallion. , Ptolemy XIII's sister-wife (
Altes Museum) Son of the Egyptian Pharaoh
Ptolemy XII (r. 80–58 BC and 55–51 BC), Ptolemy XIII succeeded his father as
pharaoh of the
Ptolemaic Kingdom in the spring of 51 BC at the age of 11. His father had stipulated that Ptolemy XIII would be married to his older sister
Cleopatra (ruled from 51–30 BC), with the couple ruling as co-rulers. In October 50 BC, Ptolemy XIII was promoted to senior ruler along with her, although the eunuch
Pothinus acted as
regent for him. In the spring of 48 BC, Ptolemy XIII and Pothinus attempted to depose Cleopatra due to her increasing status as queen. Her face appeared on minted coins, for example, while Ptolemy XIII's name was omitted on official documents. Ptolemy intended to become main ruler, with Pothinus acting as the power behind the throne.
Civil war Ptolemy XIII and Pothinus managed to force Cleopatra to flee to
Syria, but she soon organized her own army and a civil war began in Egypt. Soon their other sister started to claim the throne as
Arsinoe IV of Egypt (r. 48–47 BC), further complicating the situation. Around this time, the burning of the
Library of Alexandria occurred. Upon the arrival of Roman reinforcements, the
Battle of the Nile (47 BC) ensued and resulted in a victory for Caesar and Cleopatra, forcing Ptolemy XIII to flee the city. He reportedly drowned on 13 January 47 BC while attempting to cross the
Nile river. Whether he was attempting to flee or was seeking negotiations remains uncertain from sources of the time. Cleopatra VII remained the unchallenged ruler of Egypt, although she named their younger brother
Ptolemy XIV of Egypt (r. 47–44 BC) her new co-ruler. ==Cultural depictions==