Monetary History of Egypt
Ptolemaic Dynasty
Ptolemy XI Alexander II
80 BC
Ptolemy XI Alexander II was the son of Ptolemy X Alexander by his unknown first wife. Following the death of his father in 80 BC, his step-mother (or possibly mother) Cleopatra Berenike ruled Egypt alone for nearly one year. Ptolemy XI was obligated to marry his step-mother, who was much older than he. Cleopatra Berenike was daughter of his father’s rival, Ptolemy IX, and was very popular with the people as was her father.
Following the marriage to Cleopatra Berenike, Ptolemy XI murdered his new wife just nineteen days later. The people of Alexandria were outraged and stormed the palace. He was killed by the Alexandrian mob.
Monetary System
Note: The reign of Ptolemy XI was so brief, no coinage has been clearly identified as being minted by his administration.
