The Queen Returns: Cleopatra’s Triumphant Reinstatement on March 27, 47 BCE

Cleopatra Testing Poisons on Condemned Prisoners (1887), by Alexandre Cabanel.

On March 27, 47 BCE, Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator was officially reinstated as the queen of Egypt, marking a pivotal moment in her reign and the history of the Ptolemaic dynasty. Her return to power was largely due to her strategic alliance with Julius Caesar, whose military intervention tipped the scales in her favor during the Alexandrian War. Prior to this, Cleopatra had been ousted from the throne by her younger brother and co-ruler, Ptolemy XIII, due to political tensions and rival factions within the Egyptian court. Her dramatic comeback was not only a testament to her intelligence and ambition but also a reflection of the larger power struggles of the late Roman Republic. 

Cleopatra’s initial removal from power in 49 BCE forced her into exile, but she did not remain idle. Instead, she sought allies who could help her reclaim her throne. This led to her legendary first meeting with Julius Caesar in 48 BCE, where she is said to have smuggled herself into his presence, possibly concealed in a carpet or a linen sack. Recognizing her charm, political acumen, and potential as a Roman ally, Caesar sided with Cleopatra in her dispute against Ptolemy XIII. His support was not purely out of admiration; Egypt was an essential grain supplier to Rome, and securing a stable ruler in Alexandria was in his best interest. 

The resulting conflict, known as the Alexandrian War, saw heavy fighting between Caesar’s forces and those loyal to Ptolemy XIII. The struggle culminated in early 47 BCE, when Ptolemy XIII drowned in the Nile while trying to flee after a decisive defeat. With her rival gone, Cleopatra was poised to reclaim the throne. However, Egyptian tradition dictated that she rule alongside a male co-regent, and so she was formally reinstated as queen on March 27, 47 BCE, alongside her younger brother, Ptolemy XIV. Despite this arrangement, Cleopatra was the true power behind the throne, exerting full control over Egypt’s political and economic affairs. 

Cleopatra’s return to power was accompanied by her deepening relationship with Julius Caesar. Their affair resulted in the birth of a son, Ptolemy XV, later known as Caesarion, whom Cleopatra claimed was Caesar’s heir. This connection strengthened her position both in Egypt and in Rome, where she visited Caesar in 46 BCE. Her presence in the Roman capital, however, sparked controversy among the Roman elite, who viewed her influence over Caesar with suspicion. 

Although Cleopatra’s reinstatement secured her position for the time being, it also bound her fate to Rome’s turbulent politics. After Caesar’s assassination in 44 BCE, she quickly maneuvered to align herself with Mark Antony, another powerful Roman leader. Her ability to navigate these dangerous political waters demonstrated her extraordinary adaptability and strategic mind. She continued to rule Egypt with a combination of diplomacy, military alliances, and economic reforms, ensuring its prosperity under her reign. 

Cleopatra’s reinstatement in 47 BCE was not merely the restoration of a deposed queen; it was a turning point that set the stage for her legendary reign and eventual confrontation with Rome. She defied expectations, challenging the traditional roles of female rulers and solidifying her legacy as one of the most formidable figures in ancient history. Her dramatic comeback on this day remains a testament to her resilience, intelligence, and unmatched political skill.