Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos (r. 80-51 BCE) was king of Ptolemaic Egypt and father of Cleopatra VII (r. 51-30 BCE). His illegitimate birth and drunkenness inspired ridicule, and he was nicknamed "Auletes" ("the Flute-Player") for his musicianship. He reigned for nearly 30 years, bribing leaders of the Roman Republic like Pompey and Julius Caesar to prevent the Roman annexation of Egypt.
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Definition
Timeline
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88 BCEMithridates VI conquers Kos, part of the Ptolemaic Empire.
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80 BCEPtolemy XII becomes king of Egypt.
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79 BCEPtolemy XII marries Cleopatra V Tryphaena.
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59 BCEPtolemy XII of Egypt is formally named an ally of the Roman Republic.
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58 BCEBerenike IV usurps the throne of Ptolemy XII.
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58 BCEPtolemaic Cyprus is annexed by the Roman Republic.
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c. 56 BCEAulus Gabinius defeats Berenike IV and gives Egypt back to Ptolemy XII.
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51 BCEDeath of Cleopatra's father, Ptolemy XII Auletes.
