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Key events and People in the Ptolemaic dynasty

  • 333 BCE

    Conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great

    Conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great
    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
  • 331 BCE

    Alexander the Great founds and leaves Egypt

    Alexander the Great founds and leaves Egypt
    Alexander the Great leaves Egypt after reorganising its internal structure and founding Alexandria
  • 323 BCE

    Death of Alexander the Great

    Death of Alexander the Great
    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
  • 321 BCE

    The Tomb of Alexander the Great

    The Tomb of Alexander the Great
    Alexander the Great’s body was seized by one of his generals, Ptolemy I who brought his body to Memphis, Egypt
  • 304 BCE

    Ptolemy I Soter becomes King

    Ptolemy I Soter becomes King
    Ptolemy I declares himself Pharaoh, establishing the Ptolemaic dynasty. He fosters Hellenistic culture, blending Greek and Egyptian elements, and promotes the cult of Alexander.
  • 285 BCE

    The death of Ptolemy I

    The death of Ptolemy I
    Ptolemy I dies at the age of over 80, leaving behind a stable empire
  • Period: 283 BCE to 246 BCE

    Reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus

    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.
  • 278 BCE

    Ptolemy II marriage

    Ptolemy II marriage
    Ptolemy II marries his sister Arsène, establishing the practice of sibling marriage in the dynasty
  • Period: 246 BCE to 221 BCE

    Reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes

    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.
  • Period: 221 BCE to 205 BCE

    Reign of Ptolemy IV Philopator

    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.
  • 217 BCE

    Battle of Raphia

    Battle of Raphia
    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
  • Period: 205 BCE to 180 BCE

    Reign of Ptolemy V Epiphanes

    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.
  • 196 BCE

    Rosetta Stone Inscription

    Rosetta Stone Inscription
    The Rosetta Stone inscription, paying homage to th Ptolemaic dynasty, is created
  • Period: 180 BCE to 145 BCE

    Reign of Ptolemy VI Philometor

    Co-ruled with his sister-wife Cleopatra II
    Faces ongoing conflicts with the Seleucid Empire
    Period of Civil unrest and external threats
  • Period: 145 BCE to 116 BCE

    Reign of Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II (Physcon)

    Notorious for his cruelty and erratic rule
    Conflict with his siblings leads to internal turmoil
    Promotes Greek immigration to Egypt
  • 134 BCE

    Roman delegation

    Roman delegation
    Ptolemy VII receives a Roman delegation in Alexandria
  • Period: 116 BCE to 51 BCE

    Reigns of Ptolemy IX Soter II and Ptolemy X Alexander I

    Frequent changes in rulership due to familial conflicts
    Continued decline of Ptolemaic power and territory
  • Period: 80 BCE to 58 BCE

    Reign of Ptolemy XII Auletes

    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
  • Period: 55 BCE to 51 BCE

    Reign of Ptolemy XII Auletes

    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
  • 48 BCE

    Library of Alexandria Burns Down

    Library of Alexandria Burns Down
    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
  • Period: 48 BCE to 44 BCE

    Cleopatra Alliance with Julius Caesar

    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.
  • 47 BCE

    Birth of Ptolemy XV Caesarion

    Birth of Ptolemy XV Caesarion
    Son of Cleopatra VII and Julius Caesar
    Caesarion means "Little Caesar"
  • Period: 47 BCE to 30 BCE

    Reign of Cleopatra VII Philopator

    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
  • 44 BCE

    Assassination of Julius Caesar

    Assassination of Julius Caesar
    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.
  • 43 BCE

    Alaska Volcanic Eruption

    Alaska Volcanic Eruption
    A massive volcanic eruption in Alaska impacts the global climate, contributing to crop failures and famine in Egypt
  • Period: 41 BCE to 30 BCE

    Cleopatra Alliance with Mark Antony

    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.
  • 33 BCE

    Cleopatra’s decree

    Cleopatra’s decree
    Cleopatra’s decree signed with “ginostoi” (so it shall be)
  • 31 BCE

    Battle of Actium

    Battle of Actium
    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.
  • 30 BCE

    Death of Cleopatra VII

    Death of Cleopatra VII
    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.
  • 30 BCE

    Egypt becomes a Roman Province

    Egypt becomes 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.
  • Period: 30 BCE to 476

    Influence of Roman Emperors

    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.
  • 365

    Mediterranean Seaquake

    Mediterranean Seaquake
    A sever Seaquake in the Mediterranean leads to a tsunami that hits Alexandria and likely contributes to the destruction of the ancient library
  • Discovery of the Rosetta Stone

    Discovery of the Rosetta Stone
    A soldier in Napoleon’s army discovers the Rosetta Stone in Egypt
  • Cleopatra’s Palace Discovery

    Cleopatra’s Palace Discovery
    Divers find ruins that may be part of Cleopatra’s palace in Alexandria