Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II, usually called Physcon (which is a derogatory term that means "pot belly"), is a powerful disruptive force in Egyptian history. He was co ruler (by force) for his older brother Ptolemy VI and his wife. He ruled Egypt alone for a time when Ptolemy VI absconded to Rome, and in a settlement that he always resented, he was set to rule a western province, Cyrene while his brother retained Egypt. When his brother died and left his young son in charge, Physcon returned to egypt and had him killed.

The people of Alexandria didn't want him, of course -- in fact, they had begged for the return of Ptolemy VI when Physcon had ruled in his absence.

Physcon married his brother's widow, Cleopatra II in order to control Egypt but he later discarded her and married Cleopatra's daughter -- also named Cleopatra III. In 130 BCE, the older Cleopatra led a revolt to drive him from Egypt. He returned only three years later.

HIs rule was peaceful, although he was a despotic ruler who was very cruel and backwards. Some of his cruelty backfired, though -- by banishing the scholars from Alexandria, he actually aided the spread of Alexandrian culture and learning into the Mediterranean world. He also banished any of those who had opposed him. One story has him murdering his own son, Mephites and sending his chopped up body to his mother Cleopatra III.

Ptolemy VIII died on June 26, 116 BCE, leaving his power to his wife Cleopatra III and one of her sons. He didn't specify which one, apparently.

pharaohs

Ptolemy I Soter
Ptolemy II Philadelphus
Ptolemy III Euergeter
Ptolemy IV Philopater
Ptolemy V Epiphanes
Cleopatra I
Ptolemy Eupator
Ptolemy VI Philometor
Cleopatra II
Ptolemy VII Neos Philpator
Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II
Cleopatra III & Ptolemy IX Soter II
Cleopatra III & Ptolemy X Alexander
Cleopatra Berenice
Ptolemy XI Alexander
Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos
Berenice IV
Cleopatra VII
Cleopatra VII & Ptolemy XIII
Cleopatra VII & Ptolemy XIV
Ptolemy XV Cesarion

monuments

Temple of Hathor, Dendara