Why did Cleopatra VII flee Egypt for Syria?

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Cleopatra Cleopatra, carving from the temple of Horus at Idfū, Egypt.

Cleopatra VII was forced to flee Egypt for Syria around 50 BCE due to a growing power struggle with her brother and co-ruler, Ptolemy XIII.

Following the death of their father, Ptolemy XII Auletes, in 51 BCE, the two siblings initially ruled together. However, a court clique—which included the eunuch Pothinus and the general Achillas—gained influence over the young king and fanned the rivalry between the siblings. This political maneuvering eventually led to Cleopatra being expelled from Egypt.123

While in exile in Syria, Cleopatra raised an army and returned to Egypt in 48 BCE to confront her brother at Pelusium, an action that set the stage for her eventual alliance with Julius Caesar and her return to power.123