Cleopatra Selene and Alexander Helios

Cleopatra VII ruled ancient Egypt as co-regent (first with her father, then with her two younger brothers and finally with her son) for almost three decades. Her romantic liaisons and military alliances with the Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, as well as her supposed exotic beauty and powers of seduction, earned her an enduring place in history and popular myth.

Cleopatra and Caesar had a son called Caesar Ptolomy, known in Egypt as Caesarian, little Caesar.

After Ceasar was murdered in 44 BC, Cleopatra eventually threw Egypt's support behind Mark Anthony's triumvirate, previous allies of Caesar. With Caesar dead, she and her son needed a new powerful Roman protector.

Mark Anthony was besotted with Cleopatra and returned to Egypt with her, and in turn helped her 'remove' her rival, exiled younger sister Arsinoe.

Sometime after Mark Anthony returned to Rome in 40 BC, Cleopatra gave birth to twins Cleopatra Selene (Moon) and Alexander Helios (Sun). Even though Mark Anthony was still married to Fulvia his third wife, in the eyes of Cleopatra’s Egyptian subjects her relationship with Antony was the equivalent of a dynastic marriage, as her prior relationship with Caesar had been, and therefore Cleopatra Selene and Alexander Helios were legitimate.

The couple were to have a further child Ptolomy Philadelphos in 36 BC.

More Info: www.history.com