Caesar, Cleopatra, and Mark Antony’

Cleopatra VII had four children. One with Julius Caesar and three with Mark Anthony. Until 31 BC the family of the last Ptolemaic queen lived a magnificent life in a golden palace, one of the most luxurious places of the world. However, when Cleopatra and Mark Anthony were defeated by Octavian during the naval battle at Actium in 31 BC, this idyllic life came to a close. The future Roman Emperor, who was about to be known as Caesar Augustus, didn’t give any mercy to his enemies. He hoped to defeat Mark Anthony and take Cleopatra as his trophy to Rome. According to the ancient resources, this didn’t happen because in 30 BC both Cleopatra and Mark Anthony committed suicide. This act left their children with no one to protect them.

Hope for an Empire

The Sons of Gods

Caesarion had two brothers: Alexander Helios (Greek “sun”) and Ptolemy Philadelphus. Alexander Helios was born as the second of Cleopatra’s three sons. In 34 BC he received a title of “King of Kings.” His parents decided to make him the ruler of Armenia, Parthia, Media and all countries to be discovered between the Euphrates and Indus Rivers. In 33 BC, Alexander was engaged to Iotapa, Princess of Media Atropatene and the daughter of king Artavasdes I of Media Atropatene.

Cleopatra’s third son, Ptolemy Philadelphus, was born in August or September in 36 BC. In late 34 BC he became a ruler of Syria, Phoenicia, and Cicilia. No ancient resources mention the prince having served in military endeavors or his political career. There is no information about any marriage plans either – which suggests that he didn’t survive to adulthood.

Alexander the Great as Helios. Marble, Roman copy after a Hellenistic original from 3rd–2nd century BC. ( Public Domain )

When Octavian conquered Egypt he spared Alexander, but took all the children of Cleopatra and Anthony to Rome. Celebrating his victory, he made a parade. One of the greatest trophies he presented to the Romans were the children of the Egyptian Queen in golden chains. They were paraded down the streets behind an effigy of their mother clutching an asp to her arm. Octavian gave the children to his elder sister and the former wife of Mark Anthony – Octavia Minor. There they lived with Octavia’s children.

In the History of Rome , Cassius Dio mentions only twins arriving in Rome. This raises the question if Ptolemy Philadelphus survived the journey to Rome. He may have died from illness in the winter of 29 BC. Alexander Helios perhaps left Rome with his twin sister – Cleopatra Selene (Greek ”moon”).

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