Pothinus
Pothinus was a eunuch who served as regent for the young Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in the early 1st century BC. He is primarily remembered for instigating a civil war by turning Ptolemy against his sister and co-ruler Cleopatra and for his role in the decapitation of Pompey.
- Century
- 1st century BC
- Country Or Region
- Egypt
Key Facts
- ›Pothinus was appointed regent for Ptolemy XIII when he became co-ruler of Egypt with Cleopatra VII in 51 BC.
- ›He influenced Ptolemy XIII to attempt to depose Cleopatra, leading to CIVIL war in Egypt.
- ›Pothinus had Pompey murdered on September 29, 48 BC, in an attempt to gain favor with Julius Caesar.
- ›Caesar reacted with grief and disgust to Pompey's severed head and ordered a proper funeral.
- ›Pothinus was executed by Caesar during the Siege of Alexandria, likely with a knife.
- ›Roman and Greek sources criticize Pothinus for his actions, believing they aimed to keep Egypt out of Caesar's CIVIL War.
Potheinos
About Pothinus
Pothinus was a eunuch who served as regent for Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in the early 1st century BC. His tenure as regent was marked by significant political intrigue and conflict, ultimately leading to a civil war within Egypt and influencing Roman affairs.
Life and Historical Context
Following the death of Ptolemy XII in 51 BC, his will stipulated that Ptolemy XIII and his sister Cleopatra VII were to co-rule Egypt, with the Roman Republic as their guardians. As Ptolemy XIII was underage, Pothinus was appointed as his regent. The general Achillas and the rhetorician Theodotus of Chios also served as guardians. Pothinus maintained his position as regent even when Ptolemy and Cleopatra were elevated to senior ruler status. Most Egyptologists believe Pothinus was instrumental in turning Ptolemy XIII against Cleopatra, with the intention of ruling Egypt himself from behind the throne.
In the spring of 48 BC, under Pothinus's guidance, Ptolemy XIII attempted to depose Cleopatra to become sole ruler. They successfully gained control of Alexandria, forcing Cleopatra out of the city. She soon raised an army, initiating a civil war, while Arsinoe IV also began to assert her claim to the throne.
Major Contributions and Actions
With Rome also embroiled in civil war, Pompey sought asylum in Egypt after his defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus. Pothinus initially feigned acceptance but, on September 29, 48 BC, had Pompey murdered, hoping to gain favor with Julius Caesar. However, Caesar, upon arriving and being presented with Pompey's head, reacted with grief and disgust. Pothinus had underestimated Caesar's clemency towards his enemies. Cleopatra seized this opportunity to gain favor with Caesar, eventually becoming his lover.
Death
Julius Caesar arranged for Pothinus's execution. While some accounts suggest Pothinus planned an attack on Alexandria through Achillas, and his messengers were intercepted leading to his imprisonment and killing, the primary narrative is that Caesar ordered his death. Pothinus died during the ten-month Siege of Alexandria.
Depictions in Literature and Film
Roman and Greek sources are the primary mentions of Pothinus, often criticizing his actions. His role has been more fancifully depicted in dramatic literature and film. These include George Bernard Shaw's play "Caesar and Cleopatra," where he is portrayed as being secretly murdered, and Cecil B. DeMille's 1934 film "Cleopatra," where Cleopatra kills him herself. In the 1963 film "Cleopatra," he is sentenced to death by Caesar after a failed poisoning plot. He is also depicted in the TV miniseries "Julius Caesar" and the television series "Rome," as well as in Steven Saylor's "The Judgment of Caesar" and the video game "Assassin's Creed Origins."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Pothinus?
Pothinus was a eunuch who served as the regent for the young Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. He was active in the early 1st century BC.
What is Pothinus best known for?
Pothinus is best remembered for his role in turning Ptolemy XIII against his sister and co-ruler Cleopatra VII, which led to a civil war. He is also known for orchestrating the murder of Pompey.
How did Pothinus die?
Pothinus was executed by Julius Caesar during the Siege of Alexandria. Sources suggest he was imprisoned and killed, likely with a knife, for his role in the events surrounding Pompey's death and the civil war.
What was Pothinus's relationship with Julius Caesar?
Pothinus attempted to gain favor with Julius Caesar by having Pompey decapitated and presenting his head to Caesar. However, Caesar reacted with grief and disgust. Pothinus's actions ultimately led to his own execution by Caesar.
Did Pothinus hold any official titles?
Yes, Pothinus was appointed as the regent for Ptolemy XIII. He was also considered a guardian of the Egyptian king, alongside the general Achillas and the rhetorician Theodotus of Chios.
Related Saints
Cleopatra
Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator was the last active Hellenistic pharaoh of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. She is chiefly remembered for her political acumen, her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and her role in the eventual Roman conquest of Egypt.
Maurice
Maurice was an Egyptian military leader and commander of the legendary Theban Legion of Rome in the 3rd century. He is widely venerated as a martyr, remembered for his refusal to obey orders that conflicted with his Christian faith, leading to the execution of his legion. Maurice is a patron saint of various professions, locales, and kingdoms.
Thomas More
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