Egypt's independence during the last century of…

Egypt's independence during the last century of Ptolemaic rule has been exercised under Rome's protection and at Rome's discretion.

Rome for much of the period has been content to support a dynasty that has had no overseas possession except Cyprus after 96 BCE (the year in which Cyrene had been bequeathed to Rome by Ptolemy Apion) and no ambitions threatening Roman interests or security.

Ptolemy XII, whose quasi-legitimate and perhaps questionable royal status compels him to depend heavily upon Rome for support for his throne, is in 76 crowned in Alexandria according to Egyptian rites.