Akademik

(c. 158–101 BC)

   Daughter of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II. She became the second consort of her uncle, Ptolemy VIII, around 141 BC, which eventually led to a civil war between her mother, Cleopatra II, who was the first consort, and her husband. Peace was eventually restored in 124 BC. Cleopatra bore her husband five children, including Ptolemy IX, Ptolemy X, Cleopatra IV, Cleopatra VI Tryphaena, and Cleopatra V Selene. Upon Ptolemy VIII’s death in 116 BC, she was given the choice of which son would rule with her. She preferred her younger son, Ptolemy X, but was forced by public pressure to accept her elder son, Ptolemy IX, who was eventually ousted in favor of his younger brother in 107 BC. This led to civil war between the rival kings in Cyprusand Syria. Cleopatra III died in 101 BC, allegedly murdered by her ungrateful son, Ptolemy X.