Egyptian History 
Ptolemaic Period Home
He came to the throne as a young child, with his mother, Cleopatra I was regent. She died only a few years later
The young Pharaoh came under the control of his guardians and advisors, Eulaeus and Lenaeus
In 170 BC, Antiochus IV invaded Egypt twice. He was crowned as its Pharaoh in 168 BC., but abandoned his claim on the orders of the Roman Senate.
The Ptolemaic Period might have been brought to its end, had not Rome intervened to make the Seleucid king withdraw
This was a decisive turning-point in Egyptian history, with Egypt now brought within the Roman sphere of power
In 164 he was driven out by his brother Ptolemy VIII Physcon
He went to Rome to seek support, which he received from Cato, and was restored the following year by the intervention of the Alexandrians
He reached an agreement with his brother to split the rule of Egypt, with Physcon ruling the western province of Cyrenaica and Philometor retaining the rule of Egypt until his death in 145 BC.
Ptolemy VI was responsible for the construction of the Temple of Kom Ombo, and additions to the Esna Temple
In 145 BC. he was killed in Syria, fighting against Alexander Balas.
His son Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator, succeeded him to the throne in 145 BC.
Ptolemy VIII Physcon was determined to regain control of Egypt.
He married Cleopatra II the widow of Ptolemy VI, and her son, Ptolemy VII was killed during the wedding party, leaving his uncle as Pharaoh.
Page last updated: 15 Feb 2008
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