Ptolemy IX Soter II, Antiochus IX Philopator (“Cyzicenus”), and John Hyrcanus I

This paper argues that Justin’s account of the relations between Ptolemy IX and Cleopatra III should be treated with skepticism. It is possible that the delivery of troops from Cyprus to the Seleucid pretender Antiochus IX was supported by Ptolemy IX, with the aim of increasing his influence in the southern Levant. In that case, his later provision of troops to Antiochus IX for the defense of Samaria was consistent with an existing alliance. However after the deposal of Ptolemy IX from the Egyptian throne, there is no evidence of his further contact with Antiochus IX. His involvement in the War of Sceptres was probably an opportunistic attempt to enlarge his territory, which only coincidentally made him an opponent of Hasmonean expansion.