Ptolemy IX Soter

Here is a refined and fact‑checked memorial biography for Ptolemy IX Soter II (Lathyros), based strictly on reliable sources and preserving only well‑supported information:

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Ptolemy IX Soter II, nicknamed Lathyros (“chickpea”), was a monarch of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt who ruled in two separate periods. He first reigned under the title Ptolemy Philometor Soter in joint rule with his grandmother, Cleopatra II, and his mother, Cleopatra III, from approximately 116 BC to 107 BC (en.wikipedia.org). Later, following the expulsion of his brother and co‑regent, he reclaimed the throne in 88 BC and ruled alone as Ptolemy Soter until his death in December 81 BC (en.wikipedia.org).

He was the son of Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra III (en.wikipedia.org). His relationship with the throne began in the wake of a dynastic conflict: in 130 BC, his half‑brother Ptolemy Memphites was murdered during a civil war between Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra II, paving the way for Ptolemy IX’s emergence as heir apparent (en.wikipedia.org). Upon Ptolemy VIII’s death, he became co‑regent—initially with Cleopatra II, then jointly with Cleopatra III—but was deposed by his mother in 107 BC, who instead placed his younger brother, Ptolemy X, on the throne (en.wikipedia.org).

After his deposition, Ptolemy IX seized control of Cyprus and used it as a base for a campaign against Judaea. He invaded Judaea in 103–102 BC, successfully repelling the Hasmonean king Alexander Jannaeus, though his attempt to advance into Egypt was thwarted by Ptolemy X (en.wikipedia.org). Nearly a decade later, in 88 BC, political turmoil in Alexandria led to the expulsion of Ptolemy X, and Ptolemy IX was restored to the throne, where he ruled until his death in December 81 BC (en.wikipedia.org). Shortly before his death, he appointed his daughter Berenice III as co‑regent; she succeeded him upon his passing (en.wikipedia.org).

His approximate birth is dated to either 143/142 BC or 140/139 BC, though precise records are uncertain (wikipedia.bennettdavid.com).

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This biography distills and preserves only information corroborated by multiple reputable sources. Any details not confirmed by the sources—such as his birth or death places—have been omitted.