Why was Cleopatra exiled?

After the death of her father, Cleopatra was married to her brother Ptolemy III, with whom she shared the throne with. Her brother managed to overrule her power and force Cleopatra into exile. While Julius Caesar, a Roman emperor who was an enemy of her brother, was in Alexandria she found an opportunity to join forces.

The legend claims that Cleopatra asked to be smuggled in a rolled up carpet and offered to Ceasar as a gift. Cleopatra became Caesar's mistress and 9 months later she gave birth to Ptolemy Caesarion, who she claimed was Caesar son. As a supporter of Cleopatra, Caesar engaged in war with Ptolemy III, who drowned in the Nile River.

Following the death of Ptolemy XIII, Caesar appointed Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XIV as co-rulers of Egypt. During the summer of 46BC Cleopatra, Ptolemy XIV, and Caesarion visited Rome and stayed in Caesar's country houses. Their romance created a great scandal because Caesar was already married.

At the time that Julius Caesar was assassinated Cleopatra was in Rome. She left Rome and returned to Egypt along with her son and brother. Soon after Cleopatra and her entourage returned to Egypt Ptolemy XVI was poisoned.

After the death of her brother, Cleopatra named her son Caesarion co-ruler of Egypt. During the Roman civil war Cleopatra supported the Caesarian party who consisted of Mark Antony and Octavian. When Cleopatra was summon to be questioned about her loyalty Mark Antony was captivated by her charm.

He then choose spend the winter of 41-40BC in Alexandria. In 40 BC, Cleopatra gave birth to twins, Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene, son and daughter of Mark Antony. Four years later Mark Antony made Alexandria his home and in 34BC their third child was born, Ptolemy Philadelphus.

When Octavian and Mark Antony's relationship grew apart he declared war against Mark Antony.