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Alexander the Great enters Egypt, welcomed as a liberator from Persian rule. He founded Alexandria, strategically located by the Mediterranean, which becomes a cultural and economic Centre -
Alexander the Great leaves Egypt after reorganising its internal structure and founding Alexandria -
Alexander the Great dies in Babylon due to a fever, leading to a power struggle among his generals (the Diadochi). His empire is divided, with Ptolemy I Soter taking control of Egypt -
Alexander the Great’s body was seized by one of his generals, Ptolemy I who brought his body to Memphis, Egypt -
Ptolemy I declares himself Pharaoh, establishing the Ptolemaic dynasty. He fosters Hellenistic culture, blending Greek and Egyptian elements, and promotes the cult of Alexander. -
Ptolemy I dies at the age of over 80, leaving behind a stable empire -
This period sees the flourishing of arts and sciences.
Cultural Achievements:
The Library of Alexandria reaches its zenith, becoming a hub for scholars.
The translation of Hebrew scriptures into Greek (the Septuagint).
Political Maneuvering:
Ptolemy II marries his sister, Arsinoe II, reinforcing family alliances.
Egypt enjoys economic prosperity due to grain production, becoming the breadbasket of the Mediterranean. -
Ptolemy II marries his sister Arsène, establishing the practice of sibling marriage in the dynasty -
Known for military campaigns that expand Egypt’s territories, including successful campaigns against the Seleucid Empire.
Cultural Projects:
Extensive temple-building, including the Temple of Edfu.
Patronage of the arts, leading to advancements in literature and philosophy. -
His reign is characterized by military defeats (notably at Raphia) and political decline.
Internal Struggles:
Growing corruption and inefficiency within the government.
Ptolemy IV's reign marked by neglect of the populace, leading to discontent. -
War between Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt under Ptolemy IV Philopator and the Seleucid Empire led by Antiochus III the Great
Largest battle of the Hellenistic period
The use of native Egyptians help boost their military importance
Soldiers gained confidence and awareness
It drew the attention of Rome
More wars to come
Gradual decline of Ptolemaic Kingdom due to internal strife and mismanagement -
Ascends to the throne at a young age; his rule is dominated by regents.
Significant Events:
The Rosetta Stone is inscribed in 196 BC during his reign, crucial for deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.
His reign witnesses the rise of local power struggles, ultimately weakening central authority. -
The Rosetta Stone inscription, paying homage to th Ptolemaic dynasty, is created -
Co-ruled with his sister-wife Cleopatra II
Faces ongoing conflicts with the Seleucid Empire
Period of Civil unrest and external threats -
Notorious for his cruelty and erratic rule
Conflict with his siblings leads to internal turmoil
Promotes Greek immigration to Egypt -
Ptolemy VII receives a Roman delegation in Alexandria -
Frequent changes in rulership due to familial conflicts
Continued decline of Ptolemaic power and territory -
Father of Cleopatra VII Philopator
Known as 'The Flute Player' due to his love of music
His reign is plagued by debt and reliance on Rome -
Father of Cleopatra VII Philopator
Known as 'The Flute Player' due to his love of music
His reign is plagued by debt and reliance on Rome -
The library of Alexandria was Burned down by Julius Caesar on accident when he commanded the Egyptian boats to be set on flames which spread both destroying the Egyptian fleet and the Library -
Cleopatra visits Caesar in Rome, solidifying their political alliance. She gives birth to Caesarion, claiming him as Caesar’s heir.
This alliance aims to secure her power against rivals and to ensure Egypt’s autonomy amidst Roman expansion. -
Son of Cleopatra VII and Julius Caesar
Caesarion means "Little Caesar" -
The last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, Cleopatra's reign is pivotal in the history of Egypt and Rome.
Initially she co-ruled with her brother, Ptolemy XIII in a politically volatile environment from 51 - 48 BCE
After a power struggle, she seeks the suppot of Julius Caesar
She later co-ruled with her son Ptolemy XV Caesarion -
Caesar's death leads to a power vacuum and increased political instability in Rome. Cleopatra must navigate the repercussions to protect her position and her son. -
A massive volcanic eruption in Alaska impacts the global climate, contributing to crop failures and famine in Egypt -
Cleopatra forms a romantic and political alliance with Mark Antony, aiming to strengthen her position.
Political Maneuvers:
Cleopatra and Antony have three children together, further solidifying their alliance.
They conduct joint military campaigns against their enemies, including the Parthians. -
Cleopatra’s decree signed with “ginostoi” (so it shall be) -
A decisive naval battle where Cleopatra and Antony's forces are defeated by Octavian (later Augustus).
Consequences:
Following the defeat, Cleopatra and Antony retreat to Alexandria, facing dwindling support and resources. -
With the imminent fall of Alexandria, Cleopatra reportedly chooses suicide, possibly through poison or a snake bite, marking the end of Ptolemaic rule.
Historical Significance:
Cleopatra's death signifies not just the end of her reign but the collapse of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the transition of Egypt into a Roman province. -
Following Cleopatra’s death, Octavian integrates Egypt into the Roman Empire, becoming its first Roman Emperor (Augustus).
Cultural Continuity:
Despite the loss of sovereignty, Roman emperors adopt titles and roles of Pharaoh, continuing some traditions established by the Ptolemies.
Significant building projects, such as temples, continue, blending Roman and Egyptian cultures. -
Future Roman emperors maintain Egypt as a vital province for grain supply and wealth.
Cultural Legacy:
The fusion of Greek and Egyptian culture leads to continued interest and fascination with ancient Egypt, influencing art, literature, and architecture for centuries. -
A sever Seaquake in the Mediterranean leads to a tsunami that hits Alexandria and likely contributes to the destruction of the ancient library -
A soldier in Napoleon’s army discovers the Rosetta Stone in Egypt
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Divers find ruins that may be part of Cleopatra’s palace in Alexandria