, Battle of The military campaigns between Julius CAESAR and the forces supporting PTOLEMY XIII (r. 51–47 B.C.E.) in Egypt’s capital. Caesar was under siege in Alexandria from August 48 B.C.E. to February 47
B.C.E. after placing CLEOPATRA VII on the throne and exiling Ptolemy to the desert. The Romans defended the royal residence at ALEXANDRIA from land forces and an Egyptian naval force. Setting fire to these ships, Caesar inadvertently engulfed the LIBRARY OF ALEXANDRIA in flames as well. Caesar also took Pharos Island, the site of the LIGHTHOUSE of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. By January 47 B.C.E., Caesar was thoroughly surrounded by Egyptians, but Mithridates of Pergamum arrived with 20,000 men. Caesar had sent for him at the start of the campaign. When the new allies entered the conflict, Caesar went out to confront Ptolemy XIII in the desert region. The BATTLE OF THE NILE ensued, with Caesar victorious.
