Pothinus was the eunuch who served as a powerful adviser and regent to Ptolemy XIII. He was one of the leading figures behind the young king during the struggle with his sister and co-ruler, Cleopatra VII.
When Ptolemy XII died in 51 BC, his will placed Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra on Egypt’s throne together. Because Ptolemy XIII was still a minor, Pothinus acted as his regent. The general Achillas and the rhetorician Theodotus of Chios were also influential members of the king’s governing circle.
Pothinus helped turn Ptolemy against Cleopatra, contributing to her expulsion from Alexandria. When Julius Caesar arrived in Egypt while pursuing Pompey, Pothinus opposed Caesar’s demands and supported the decision to have Pompey murdered. Caesar later ordered Pothinus’s execution after discovering his role in the conflict.
Achillas is a common mix-up because he commanded the forces that attacked Caesar in Alexandria. Pothinus was the court adviser and regent; Achillas was the military commander.