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He came to the throne as an infant at the age of about 6 and ruled jointly with his mother, Cleopatra I, until her death in 176 BC
The young Pharaoh came under the control of his guardians and advisors, Eulaeus and Lenaeus, two former slaves from barbarian origins
In 172 BC. at the age of 16 he married his little sister Cleoptra II, who was younger
In 170 BC, Antiochus IV the Seleucid king from Syria invaded Egypt twice, and was crowned as its Pharaoh in 168 BC., but abandoned his claim on the orders of the Roman Senate.
The Ptolemaic Period might have been brought to its end, had not Rome intervened. This was a turning point in Egyptian history, now was brought within the Roman sphere of power
In 164 BC. he was driven out by his brother Ptolemy VIII Physcon, but again he received support from Rome and was restored the following year,
reaching an agreement to split the rule, with Physcon ruling the western province of Cyrenaica (Libya) and Philometor retaining the rule of Egypt.
Both the brothers wore the royal headband and exercised the authority, strife within the royal family wasted the strength of the Ptolemaic dynasty.
Ptolemy VI was responsible for the construction of the Temple of Kom Ombo, and additions to the Esna Temple
In 145 BC. he was killed in Syria, fighting against Alexander Balas.
His infant son Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator, succeeded him to the throne for a few days.
Ptolemy VIII Physcon was determined to regain control of Egypt. He married Cleopatra II the widow of Ptolemy VI, and her son, Ptolemy VII was killed during the wedding party, leaving his uncle as Pharaoh.
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