The Ptolemaic dynasty was a Greek dynasty which ruled over Egypt during the Hellenistic period. They took on Egyptian customs and religion to gain recognition from native Egyptians. The Ptolemaic ruled for two hundred and seventy-five years with their dynasty ending with the most important and active female pharaoh in their history, Cleopatra VII. Even though it is made out to be believed that Cleopatra was a power hungry ruler, she sought out a way to bring power back to a dynasty that was inevitably reaching its end. With her cleverness, intelligence, and her beauty she gained the favor of two powerful Roman officials, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony.
By the time Cleopatra came into power, Egypt was weakened by dynastic conflicts within the family, which over time caused Egypt to be a de facto protectorate of Rome. During her father’s reign, Ptolemy XII (Auletes) was driven out of Egypt by the Alexandrian mob only to be put back on the throne with the Roman support three years later but with a price. Egypt was forced to introduce a debased coinage system as demands were placed
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After the death of Pompey, Caesar had decreed that both Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII should settle their differences before him in Alexandria. But Cleopatra met him first by smuggling herself in a rug and appearing before him to gain his favor. Ptolemy didn’t have a chance once this happened. With Caesar on her side as a lover and ally, Cleopatra didn’t have to assert herself in the Alexandrian War as the effects of it was that most of her rivals were eliminated, including her sister Arsinoe. With Caesar announcing her as Queen over Egypt through her joint rule with her 12-year-old brother Ptolemy XIV. With her being ruler and her having Caesar’s child to secure her power, her needs were