In Antony and Cleopatra, Cleopatra’s son by Julius Caesar is Caesarion.
Caesarion was born Ptolemy Caesar in 47 BC to Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Julius Caesar. His nickname means “Little Caesar.” Cleopatra presented him as Caesar’s biological son, a claim that gave him enormous political importance because it linked the Ptolemaic dynasty to Rome’s most powerful family.
In Shakespeare’s play, Caesarion is mostly an offstage political presence rather than a fully developed speaking character. His existence complicates the rivalry between Mark Antony and Octavian, Julius Caesar’s adopted heir. Antony publicly supports Caesarion’s status, while Octavian’s power depends on presenting himself as Caesar’s legitimate political successor.
Caesarion became co-ruler of Egypt with Cleopatra in 44 BC, though he was still a child and Cleopatra exercised practical authority. After Antony and Cleopatra were defeated, Octavian captured Egypt in 30 BC. Caesarion was subsequently executed, removing a rival claimant connected by blood to Julius Caesar.
Cleopatra Selene, Antyllus, and Ptolemy were different children or relatives in the wider royal family. Caesarion alone was Cleopatra’s son by Julius Caesar.