Bernice II

Bernice was born around 267 BCE. After murdering her first husband Demetrius the fair, Berenice married Ptolemy III of Egypt. This action re-unified her country with Egypt. Together they had six children. It is said that Bernice participated in both the Nemean games and the Olympics. After the death of Ptolemy III she was murdered in arrangements made by her son, Ptolemy IV around 221 BCE. After this a cult formed around her memory. Perhaps the most notable myth about Bernice relates to the time Ptolemmy III traveled to Syria to avenge the death of his sister. In an attempt to gain his safe return Bernice dedicated her hair to Venus for his safe return. Her hair disappeared and was said to have been taken to heaven and placed among the stars. Many of the images of Bernice reflect this story and depict Bernice with short hair.