What was the Ptolemaic dynasty known for?

The Ptolemaic dynasty is known as the longest-lasting successor to Alexander's empire. The dynasty reshaped Egyptian culture and society, began a period of Hellenization, and made Alexandria the center of the Hellenistic world,

Was Cleopatra from the Ptolemaic dynasty?

Yes, Cleopatra VII was the most famous member of the Ptolemaic Dynasty. Her reign marks the end of the dynasty.

Why did Ptolemaic Egypt fall?

Ancient authors attributed the fragmentation of the Ptolemaic Empire to the incompetence of Ptolemaic kings. Modern historians acknowledge larger factors like social tensions, civil wars, and external threats. Ptolemaic Egypt became increasingly reliant on Roman support, leading to its annexation in 30 BCE.

Why did the Ptolemaic dynasty inbreed?

Symbolically, the practice of sibling marriage demonstrated that they were above the normal rules applied to mere mortals, equating them with gods. It also limited competition for the crown by marrying potential rivals.

Ptolemaic Dynasty Timeline

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Definition

The Ptolemaic dynasty was a Macedonian royal family that ruled Ptolemaic Egypt from 323 to 30 BCE. It was founded by Ptolemy I, a general and successor of Alexander the Great. They built Alexandria, including the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Great Library of Alexandria. The dynasty ended when Rome conquered Egypt in the reign of Cleopatra VII.

More about: Ptolemaic Dynasty

Timeline

c. 366 BCE - 282 BCE
Life of Ptolemy I Soter.
305 BCE - 285 BCE
Reign of Ptolemy I in Egypt, who initiated the Great Library.
305 BCE - 30 BCE
The Ptolemaic Dynasty in Egypt.
300 BCE
Ptolemy I founds the Museum of Alexandria.
282 BCE - 246 BCE
Reign of Ptolemy II in Egypt, development of Library at Alexandria.
247 BCE
The Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos) is completed.
246 BCE - 221 BCE
Reign of Ptolemy III in Egypt.
221 BCE - 205 BCE
Reign of Ptolemy IV in Egypt.
205 BCE - 180 BCE
Reign of Ptolemy V in Egypt.
180 BCE - 145 BCE
Reign of Ptolemy VI in Egypt.
c. 169 BCE
Invasion of Egypt by Antiochus IV.
116 BCE - 80 CE
Reign of Ptolemy IX in Egypt.
80 BCE - 51 BCE
Reign of Ptolemy XII in Egypt.
80 BCE
Ptolemy XII becomes king of Egypt.
79 BCE
Ptolemy XII marries Cleopatra V Tryphaena.
c. 69 BCE - 12 Aug 30 BCE
Life of Cleopatra VII of Egypt.
c. 62 BCE - 47 BCE
Life of Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopater.
59 BCE
Ptolemy XII of Egypt is formally named an ally of the Roman Republic.
58 BCE
Berenike IV usurps the throne of Ptolemy XII.
51 BCE
Death of Cleopatra's father, Ptolemy XII Auletes.
51 BCE
Cleopatra accepts her brother Ptolemy XIII as co-ruler.
49 BCE
Sole rule of Ptolemy XIII, recognized by both Gaius Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator, and his opponent, Pompey the Great.
47 BCE
Cleopatra VII is sole ruler of Egypt; she presents herself as the goddess Isis.
Jan 47 BCE
Ptolemy XIII drowns in the Nile fleeing Caesar.
40 BCE - c. 5 BCE
Life of Cleopatra Selene II.
c. 10 BCE
Ptolemy of Mauretania is born to Juba II and Cleopatra Selene II.

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