The Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt was a Hellenistic kingdom that existed from 305 BCE to 30 BCE. It was established following the death of Alexander the Great when his empire was divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi. The Ptolemaic Kingdom was founded by Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander’s generals, who became the first ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty.
The Ptolemies ruled Egypt for nearly three centuries and presided over a period of significant cultural and economic prosperity. Alexandria, the capital of the kingdom, became one of the largest and most influential cities in the ancient world, known for its famous lighthouse, the Library of Alexandria, and its cosmopolitan blend of Greek, Egyptian, and Jewish cultures.
The Ptolemaic dynasty is notable for its promotion of the arts, sciences, and philosophy, as well as its attempts to blend Egyptian and Greek traditions, including the worship of both Greek and Egyptian deities. The rulers often married within the family, including brother-sister marriages, a practice aimed at preserving royal bloodlines.
The kingdom faced challenges, including internal strife, economic difficulties, and external pressures from neighboring powers, including Rome. The Ptolemaic Kingdom ultimately came to an end when Queen Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty, allied with Mark Antony against Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus). Following their defeat in the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE and subsequent events, Cleopatra and Antony both died by suicide, leading to the annexation of Egypt by Rome in 30 BCE. This marked the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the transformation of Egypt into a Roman province.