Ptolemy XII Auletes

Ptolemy XII Auletes was a king of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt who ruled from 80 to 58 BC and then again from 55 BC until his death in 51 BC. He was the son of Ptolemy IX Soter II and an unknown mistress, and the brother of Ptolemy XI Alexander II. He was not a legitimate heir to the throne, but he managed to gain the support of the people of Alexandria and the Roman Republic. He married his sister Cleopatra V Tryphaeana and had six children, including the famous Cleopatra VII, who later became the lover of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. He was also a patron of arts and culture, and a lover of music. He earned the nickname Auletes, meaning flute player, because of his skill with the instrument. He faced several challenges during his reign, such as rebellions, invasions, and exile. He had to bribe the Roman officials to secure his position and to prevent the annexation of Egypt. He died of natural causes in 51 BC and was succeeded by his daughter Cleopatra VII and his son Ptolemy XIII.