Battle of the Nile (47 BC) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids First Battle of the Nile
Part of the Alexandrian war and Caesar's Civil War
Map of the battle
Date early 47 BC Location Nile Delta, Egypt Result Roman victory Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIV installed as co-rulers of Egypt
Belligerents
Roman Republic (pro-Caesar forces) Ptolemaic Kingdom (pro-Cleopatra forces) Greek forces of Mithridates Kingdom of Judea	Ptolemaic Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
Julius Caesar Cleopatra VII Mithridates of Pergamum Antipater the Idumean	Ptolemy XIII  † Arsinoe IV (POW) Ganymedes  †
Strength
c. 20,000 infantry c. 1000 cavalry	c. 27,000 infantry c. 2000 cavalry

The Battle of the Nile was a major fight that happened in early 47 BC. In this battle, the armies of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra VII worked together. They fought against the forces of Queen Arsinoe IV and King Ptolemy XIII. Caesar and Cleopatra won, which helped secure Cleopatra's place as ruler of Egypt.

Why the Battle Happened

Caesar Arrives in Egypt

After winning a big civil war back home, Julius Caesar chased his rival, Pompey, to Egypt. But when Caesar arrived, Pompey had already been killed by King Ptolemy XIII. Ptolemy hoped this would make Caesar happy.

The Siege of Alexandria

From September 48 BC to January 47 BC, Caesar found himself stuck in Alexandria, Egypt. He had about 4,000 soldiers with him. Caesar was trying to settle a disagreement between King Ptolemy XIII and his sister, Cleopatra.

Caesar seemed to favor Cleopatra. Because of this, Ptolemy was first captured, but then Caesar let him go. Ptolemy then gathered his army. He surrounded the Romans in a small part of Alexandria. This was called the Siege of Alexandria.

Help Arrives for Caesar

By January, the Egyptian forces were making it hard for the Romans. They tried to stop Caesar from getting more soldiers and supplies. Caesar had asked his friends for help. An army of about 13,000 soldiers came to assist him.

This army was led by Mithridates of Pergamum. They marched from Asia Minor to Egypt. When they arrived, Mithridates captured the important city of Pelusium. Then, he marched towards the Nile Delta. There, he defeated an Egyptian army sent to stop him.

A Jewish army, led by Antipater the Idumaean, also joined Mithridates. Caesar got a message that his allies were close. He left a small group of soldiers in Alexandria. Then, he quickly went to meet his allies. The combined forces, about 20,000 strong, met the Egyptians in February 47 BC. The Egyptian army was a bit larger, with about 27,000 soldiers.

The Battle of the Nile

Egyptian Camp Position

The Egyptian army had set up their camp in a very strong spot. It was right along the Nile River. They also had a fleet of ships nearby. Caesar arrived soon after, before Ptolemy could attack Mithridates' army.

Caesar and Mithridates met about 7 miles from Ptolemy's camp. To reach the Egyptian camp, they had to cross a small river. Ptolemy sent some cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and light infantry (foot soldiers) to stop them.

Caesar's Surprise Attack

However, Caesar had already sent his Gallic and Germanic cavalry ahead. These horsemen crossed the river without being seen. When Caesar arrived, his soldiers quickly built temporary bridges across the river.

Then, Caesar's army charged at the Egyptians. As they attacked, the Gallic and Germanic cavalry appeared. They charged into the Egyptian army from the side and from behind. The Egyptians were caught by surprise and quickly broke apart.

They ran back to Ptolemy's camp. Many tried to escape by boat. As King Ptolemy XIII tried to get away, his ship became too heavy and flipped over. He drowned in the river.

After the Battle

Cleopatra Becomes Queen

With this victory, Egypt was now under Caesar's control. He ended the siege of Alexandria. Caesar then made Cleopatra the queen of Egypt. She ruled alongside her younger brother, Ptolemy XIV Philopator, who was twelve years old.

Caesar stayed in Egypt for about two months. He left in April to continue his own civil war. Later, Cleopatra had a son, who was named Caesarion.

Arsinoe's Fate

The former Queen Arsinoe IV was taken as a prisoner. She was marched through Rome as a display of victory. Then, she was sent away to a temple in Ephesus. After Caesar was killed, Arsinoe was later executed. This happened on the orders of Cleopatra and Mark Antony.