Achillas is the general of Ptolemy’s troops. He’s tall, handsome, and respected, though rather dull. In addition to Ptolemy’s troops, he also heads the occupying Roman army. In Act II, Achillas announces that he will side with the Egyptians. As a historical figure, Achillas was one of Ptolemy XIII’s guardians. He and Lucius Septimius carried out Pompey’s murder at the behest of Pothinus.
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Achillas Character Timeline in Caesar and Cleopatra
The timeline below shows where the character Achillas appears in Caesar and Cleopatra. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Act 2
...Egyptian court has assembled to greet him. Ptolemy’s tutor, Theodotus, a wise old man, and Achillas, the general of Ptolemy’s troops, are also there. Achillas is tall, handsome, and respected, though...
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...The Egyptian courtiers applaud and shout “Egypt for the Egyptians!” Tension builds in the loggia. Achillas, the Roman general whom Aulus Gabinus left to command the Egyptian army, announces that he...
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...to leave to find Brittanus, a wounded Roman soldier enters the loggia and announces that Achillas’s Roman army has arrived in the city, and the citizens are fighting back. Rufio and...
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Act 4
...through Ptolemy, should Ptolemy gain control of the throne. Caesar will eat him, Ptolemy, and Achillas “as a cat eats mice.” Pothinus argues that the Egyptians outnumber Caesar’s ranks, but Cleopatra...
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