Ptolemy VIII Physcon vs Siptah

Ptolemy VIII was forced to flee Alexandria after a conflict with his brother Ptolemy VI. He was granted rule over Cyrenaica by the Roman Senate, but his ambitions to expand his territory led to ongoing dynastic strife.

After Ptolemy VI's death, Ptolemy VIII returned to Egypt and married his sister Cleopatra II, then also married her daughter (his stepdaughter) Cleopatra III. This incestuous marriage caused a major scandal and led to civil war.

Ptolemy VIII ordered a brutal purge of intellectuals and scholars in Alexandria, including the philosopher Aristarchus of Samothrace. Many were exiled or killed, severely damaging the cultural and scholarly reputation of the city.

Cleopatra II led a rebellion against Ptolemy VIII, forcing him to flee to Cyprus. She ruled Egypt for several years until Ptolemy VIII returned with a mercenary army and recaptured Alexandria, leading to a brutal civil war.

Siptah ascended the throne as a child, likely around age 10-12, after the death of Seti II. He suffered from a deformed foot (clubfoot), as shown by his mummy. His youth and disability made him dependent on regents, primarily Queen Twosret and Chancellor Bay.

During Siptah's reign, effective power was held by his stepmother Twosret and the powerful chancellor Bay. Bay was a Syrian-born official who dominated court politics. This regency created a power struggle that destabilized the government and contributed to the decline of Dynasty XIX.

Siptah's tomb in the Valley of the Kings (KV47) was prepared but left unfinished. The tomb's decoration shows his name and titles, but the work was halted upon his death. His mummy was later moved to KV35, indicating the disorder of the period.