In 48 BC, Ptolemy XIII, who was Cleopatra’s brother-husband and co-ruler, became tired of being side-lined by his older sister and managed to drive her out of Egypt. This is what we know, or can deduce, about her career: Hiding between the lines is a young woman with her own agenda, capable of making and breaking alliances, raising an army, and bouncing back after defeat. That left Cleopatra, Arsinoe, Ptolemy XIII (possibly Arsinoe’s twin), and little Ptolemy XIV who didn’t stand a chance in this shark pond.Īrsinoe is just a footnote in history these days – but such a fascinating footnote. Ptolemy XII’s oldest daughter, Berenice, had been executed a decade earlier, with Roman help, after she tried to take the kingdom away from her unpopular father. Rome was the Mediterranean superpower, but in the 40s BC it was shattered by civil war. It was a time of shifting allegiances and treachery. Although popular culture only recognises Cleopatra, Ptolemy XII actually had five children, three girls and two boys, all of whom reigned, however briefly. But what about her sister, Arsinoe? Who remembers her?Īrsinoe IV was Cleopatra’s younger sister, by the same father and probably the same mother. Cleopatra VII Philopater is known throughout the world simply as Cleopatra – the woman who seduced Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and who, instead of surrendering, took her own life using snake venom. It can’t be easy having a sister who is much more famous and successful than you. She writes fiction and non-fiction for young people and adults, and is working on a novel set during the Roman civil wars. She studied Ancient History at the University of St Andrews before spending a few years in Albania as a missionary. Karen Murdarasi is a Scottish writer based in Glasgow.
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