Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II Tryphon

Ptolemy VIII was the younger son of Ptolemy V and Cleopatra I. He became co-ruler of Egypt with his brother Ptolemy VI and his sister Cleopatra II in 170 BC, after the invasion of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. He was expelled by his brother in 164 BC and ruled Cyrenaica until 145 BC, when he returned to Egypt after the death of Ptolemy VI. He married his sister Cleopatra II, but later divorced her and married her daughter Cleopatra III, causing a civil war between the two queens. He also had a third wife, Irene, who was the mother of his son Ptolemy Apion. Ptolemy VIII was a cruel and violent ruler, who executed many of his rivals and enemies. He was also a patron of culture and learning, who supported the Library of Alexandria and the Ptolemaic cult. He died in 116 BC and was succeeded by his son Ptolemy IX.