After the death of their father, , in 51 BC, his will designated Cleopatra (age 18) and her brother Ptolemy XIII (age 10) as joint rulers. While they were married according to custom, the marriage was purely political.
The co-rule was uneasy from the start. Because Ptolemy XIII was a minor, Egypt was effectively run by a cabal of three powerful advisors: cleopatra brother
When their father, Ptolemy XII Auletes, died in 51 BCE, his will stated that 18-year-old Cleopatra and 10-year-old Ptolemy XIII should rule together as husband and wife. For a while, they did—but tension quickly grew. After the death of their father, , in
Here is an overview of the history between Cleopatra and her brother, which serves as the backdrop for her rise to power. After the death of their father