History glossary
Ptolemies
the Macedonian-Greek dynasty that ruled Egypt from Ptolemy I Soter to Cleopatra VII.
- Category
- Dynasty
- Region
- Egypt and eastern Mediterranean
- Date range
- 305-30 BCE
What it means
The Ptolemies were the Macedonian-Greek dynasty founded by Ptolemy I Soter after Alexander the Great's death. They ruled Egypt from Alexandria, presented themselves as pharaohs to Egyptian subjects, patronized Greek scholarship and trade, and survived until Cleopatra VII's defeat by Rome in 30 BCE.
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