The Ptolemaic Kingdom was a Hellenistic state in Egypt founded by Ptolemy I Soter, one of the generals of Alexander the Great, who took control of Egypt after Alexander's death and proclaimed himself king. Its capital was Alexandria, which became a leading centre of learning and trade, with the Great Library, the Museum and the Pharos lighthouse. The Greek-speaking ruling class governed an Egyptian population, and the Ptolemies adopted pharaonic customs, building temples such as Edfu and Philae. The Rosetta Stone, which allowed hieroglyphs to be deciphered, dates from this era. Dynastic quarrels and rising Roman influence weakened the kingdom, and it ended when Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra VII, its last ruler, and annexed Egypt.
Before and after
- 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
- from 4th century BCE to 5th centuryXiongnu
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.