It seems that when Cleopatra's father first left Egypt, he had caused a report to be circulated there that he had been killed in the revolt.

The object of this stratagem was to cover and conceal his flight.

The government of Berenice soon discovered the truth, and learned that the fugitive had gone in the direction of Rome.

They immediately inferred that he was going to appeal to the Roman people for aid, and they determined that, if that were the case, the Roman people, before deciding in his favor, should have the opportunity to hear their side of the story as well as his.

They accordingly made preparations at once for sending a very imposing embassage to Rome.