Ptolemy XII (Neos Dionysus)

---

After the death of Ptolemy XI (Alexander II) , there was a problem of whom should ascend the throne . Ptolemy IX had two illegitimate sons , one of whom was living in Asia Minor . This son was brought to Egypt , and he ascended the throne under the name of Ptolemy XII , while his younger brother was crowned as King of Cyprus . Ptolemy XII married someone (probably his sister) , and her name was Tryphena (later on known as Cleopatra VI) . At the beginning , Ptolemy XII wasn't recognized by Rome , and he spent much of his reign and lots of money to win this recognition: he purchased the help of Julius Caesar with 6000 talents , and he was recognized as the friend and ally of Rome . Shortly afterwards , Rome took Cyprus . Ptolemy XII's brother was forced to commit suicide and the island was lost to Egypt , since the brother didn't give up fighting Rome when they wanted to take the island .
Again , this caused many problems for Ptolemy XII in Egypt , as the Egyptians were not satisfied with what was going on . Ptolemy XII went to Rome to press his case . And suggestions were made that one of the two Seleucid princes should marry Bernice , his daughter . However , it seems that Rome interfered and prevented the prince from leaving Syria , and another Seleucid prince appeared in Alexandria and married Bernice .
Ptolemy XII had very little building achievements: he finished the pylons at Edfu where he appeared before Horus , and again on the pylon at Philae . He died before he could do any harm to Egypt . He was known as well by the name 'Ptolemy the Piper' .
When he died , there was a will stating that he should be followed by his son Ptolemy and his daughter Cleopatra VII , hoping that they might get married , and Rome would accept this (this happened around the year 51 BC) . Some scholars suggested that Ptolemy XII elevated Cleopatra on the throne of Egypt before his death . A papyrus was discovered indicating that the thirteenth year of the rule of Ptolemy XII was the first year of Cleopatra actual rule .