04-06-2006, 10:33 PM
The son of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, Ptolemy XV Caesarion, is called Iwapanetjerentynehem Setepenptah Irmaatenra Sekhemankhamun. The last three names mean 'Chosen by Ptah, Dispenser of the justice of Ra, Living power of Amun'. This is unproblematic.
The trouble is the first word, which has several meanings. The same title is used by Ptolemy XII the Flutist; in his case, it means "Son of the Savior", the savior being his father Ptolemy IX Sôter. This is normal practice. For example Ptolemy IV is called, Iwaennetjerwymenkhwy, 'son of the divine benefactors', i.e., Ptolemy III Euergetes / Benefactor.
It is reasonable to deduce from Caesarion's Egyptian surname that his father was surnamed 'savior'. However, is there any evidence that Julius Caesar was ever called Sôter?
The trouble is the first word, which has several meanings. The same title is used by Ptolemy XII the Flutist; in his case, it means "Son of the Savior", the savior being his father Ptolemy IX Sôter. This is normal practice. For example Ptolemy IV is called, Iwaennetjerwymenkhwy, 'son of the divine benefactors', i.e., Ptolemy III Euergetes / Benefactor.
It is reasonable to deduce from Caesarion's Egyptian surname that his father was surnamed 'savior'. However, is there any evidence that Julius Caesar was ever called Sôter?
