The Alexandrian War: Caesar and Cleopatra under siege
The Alexandrian War of 48–47 BC began when Julius Caesar intervened in the struggle between Cleopatra VII and Ptolemy XIII for Egypt’s throne.
2:27 · Episode film
AI-generated historical dramatization.
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Why did Caesar fight in Alexandria? Follow the siege, water crisis, harbor battles, Nile campaign and Cleopatra’s restoration, with evidence on the Library fire.
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Alexandria, 48 BC. Caesar's intervention in Egypt's royal succession has become a war. His small force holds the palace district alongside Cleopatra, surrounded by troops supporting her rivals. Control of the harbour and access to drinking water become matters of survival. Roman soldiers dig wells while fighting continues around ships, bridges and the island of Pharos. Reinforcements finally reach Egypt. Caesar joins them and defeats Ptolemy the Thirteenth's army near the Nile. Cleopatra regains her throne with her younger brother, Ptolemy the Fourteenth, while Roman influence over Egypt grows.
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