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The Cleopatras – Part 2: Cleopatra II, traditionally untraditional
Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones continues his new series on the later Ptolemaic queens, focusing on the tangled family relationships of the second Cleopatra.
Born around 185-187 BC, the only daughter of Ptolemy V and Cleopatra I, Cleopatra II makes her first notable appearance in the sources in March 175 BC, when she married her oldest brother Ptolemy VI (who was about 11 at the time). Cleopatra II ascended the throne with Ptolemy VI as his co-ruler, and her image as Egypt’s queen was celebrated enthusiastically. In temple scenes, the new queen was depicted carrying out rituals, always standing behind her husband, but embodying between them the important ancient Egyptian concept of duality. On the great pylon at Philae, the royal couple are shown offering wine, perfume, and flowers to Isis, Horus, Hathor, Harpocrates, and Meret; another Philae
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