Ptolemy X, also known as Ptolemy X Alexander I, was a pharaoh of Egypt belonging to the Ptolemaic dynasty. He reigned during the Hellenistic period, during which Egypt was ruled by sovereigns of Greek origin. Son of Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II and Cleopatra III, he was born around 107 BC. His parents came from a family renowned for its intrigues and internal conflicts, which contributed to the complexity of his reign.
Ptolemy X came to power in 110 BC. J.-C., succeeding his father, Ptolemy VIII. His mother, Cleopatra III, had played a decisive role in the appointment of his successor, going so far as to push for the ousting of Ptolemy IX, his own eldest son. Thus, it was Ptolemy X who was chosen to reign alongside his mother as co-regent.
His reign was marked by a series of conflicts and tensions with the other members of the Ptolemaic family. Indeed, Ptolemy X and his mother had a tumultuous relationship, Cleopatra III seeking to assert her authority over her son. In addition, Ptolemy X had to face the threat posed by his older brother, Ptolemy IX, who aspired to regain the throne of Egypt.
Despite these difficulties, Ptolemy X strove to maintain the stability and prosperity of Egypt. However, his reign was marked by a rise in public debt, largely due to the incessant war against neighboring kingdoms, such as Syria and Cyprus. As ruler, he sought to strengthen his ties with Rome, a rising power at the time, to ensure Egypt's security and independence.
Unfortunately, Ptolemy X's efforts to consolidate his power were in vain. In 88 BC. J.-C., he was overthrown by a popular revolt, which allowed his brother Ptolemy IX to reclaim the throne. Ptolemy X was then forced into exile in Cyprus, where he organized an army in the hope of reconquering Egypt. However, he perished under mysterious circumstances in 80 BC. J.-C., without having succeeded in regaining power.
📋 LIST OF EGYPTIAN SOVEREIGNS 📋
Hotepsekhemwey / Sneferka / Nebra / ninetjer / Senedj / Noubnefer / Horus Ba / Peribsen / Sekhemib / Khasekhemwy / Neferkasokar / | |||
Djoser / Sanakht / Sekhemkhet / Spoon / Huni | |||
Sekhemre-Khutaouy Amenemhat-/Sobekhotep I/Sekhemkare Amenemhat-Senbef/Sekhemkare Amenemhat V/Ameny-Qemaou/Hotepibre Qémaou-Sa-Hornejhéritef/Ioufeni/Séânkhibrê Amény-Antef-Amenemhat (or Amenemhat VI)/Semenkarê Nebnoun/Sehotepibrê Sousekhtaouy | |||
Sekhaenre Yakbim/Nebuuserre Yaammou/Khauserre Qareh | |||
Semqen/Aper-Anat/Sakir-Har/Khyan/Apophis I/Apophis II?/Khamoudy | |||
/Sekhemre-Sementaouy Djehouty/Sekhemre-Sousertaouy Sobekhotep VIII | |||
Twenty-first dynasty | |||
Twenty-second dynasty | |||
Twenty-third dynasty | |||
Twenty-fourth dynasty | |||
1st Persian Dynasty | |||
Thirty-first dynasty (Achaemenid) | 2nd Persian Dynasty | ||