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statesmen, one of whom was also general-in-chief of
the unity, desired to obtain complete control of the empire,they espoused the cause of Ptolemy, Cleopatra's
brother and so-called husband, who was so young that
they imagined they could manage him as they wished. They accordingly deposed Cleopatra, placing Ptolemy alone on the throne; though he was a mere figure-head.
Cleopatra, who early displayed a dauntless courage and self-reliance fled to Syria to raise troops, that she might secure by force her rightful inheritance. Here she obtained an army, and commenced her march back into Egypt. Pothinus and Achillas went forth to meet her, accompanied by a large body of troops, taking the young Ptolemy with them as the nominal sovereign. The two armies encamped near Pelusium. But no battle was fought, owing to unexpected circumstances.
Egypt had become an inferior power before the greater Rome, across the sea. Julius Caesar, the brilliant military leader who was later to give his name to the rulers of the Empire, was just then fighting for control against his rival, Pompey. As Pompey had given aid to Ptolemy Auletes, the father of Cleopatra, in recovering his throne, Pompey fled to Egypt, hoping to find succor there. But he was treacherously invited to land by the Egyptian ministers, Pothinus and Achillas, and then barbarously murdered while stepping on shore. Julius Caesar soon after arrived at Alexandria; and when this news reached the camps of the Egyptian armies, the two ministers, with the young king, Ptolemy. hastily returned to Alexandria; and, hoping to propitiate Caesar, they sent to him the head of the murdered Pompey. Caesar, far from being
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