The Ptolemaic dynasty was a Macedonian Greek royal family that ruled Egypt for almost three centuries. It was founded by Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Great's generals, who took control of Egypt after Alexander's death and proclaimed himself king in 305 BCE. The dynasty made Alexandria its capital and a leading centre of Greek learning, home to the Library and the Museum. The Ptolemies adopted Egyptian traditions, building temples and presenting themselves as pharaohs, while a Greek-speaking elite held power. The Rosetta Stone dates from the reign of Ptolemy V. After rivalry within the family and growing Roman influence, Cleopatra VII, the last ruler, was defeated with Mark Antony at Actium, and Egypt became a Roman province in 30 BCE.
Before and after
- 312 BCEConstruction of Appian Way
- from 312 BCE to 63 BCESeleucid Empire
- from 311 BCE to 309 BCEBabylonian War
- from 306 BCE to 168 BCEAntigonid dynasty
- from 305 BCE to 30 BCEPtolemaic dynasty
- from 305 BCE to 30 BCEPtolemaic Kingdom
- 304 BCEBirth of Ashoka
- from 4th century BCE to 5th centuryOrigins of Tanais
- 4th century BCEElements
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- from c. 2,601 BCE to 1,901 BCEThe Indus Valley cities reach maturity
- c. 1,051 BCEThe Phoenician alphabet spreads
- from 351 BCE to 1494Construction of Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
- from 323 BCE to 30 BCEHellenistic period
- 323 BCEConstruction of Temple of Ephesian Artemis
- 248 BCEConstruction of Terracotta Army
The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires. You can also browse everything in the 4th century BCE.