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Why did Ptolemy XIII’s advisers order Pompey’s murder?
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Pompey the Great
Pompey, bust c. 60–50 bce; in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen.
After his decisive defeat by Julius Caesar at the Battle of Pharsalus, Pompey the Great fled to Egypt seeking refuge. He arrived at Pelusium, anticipating the support of the young king Ptolemy XIII, whose father had previously received aid from Pompey.
However, a palace clique—which included the eunuch Pothinus, the general Achillas, and Theodotus—had gained significant influence over the king. This group ordered Pompey’s murder as he came ashore specifically because they sought to gain favor with Caesar, who was expected to arrive in Egypt shortly thereafter.123