Ptolemy XII (Ptolemy Auletes) [key], d. 51 b.c., king of ancient Egypt (80–58 b.c., 55–51 b.c.), of the Macedonian dynasty, illegitimate son of Ptolemy IX. He is also called Ptolemy Neos Dionysus. He succeeded Ptolemy XI to the throne, but his violent misrule and reprehensible life caused the Alexandrians finally to rebel and unseat him in 58 b.c. He sought Roman aid and with the help of Pompey paid Aulus Gabinius, proconsul of Syria, a huge sum to put him back on the throne. He made the Roman senate executor of his will and Pompey the guardian of his son Ptolemy XIII.
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