The Ptolemaic dynasty was a Macedonian royal family that ruled Ptolemaic Egypt from 323 to 30 BCE. It was founded by Ptolemy I, a general and successor of Alexander the Great. They built Alexandria, including the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Great Library of Alexandria. The dynasty ended when Rome conquered Egypt in the reign of Cleopatra VII.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original definition at https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemaic_Dynasty/.
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- Do you think the Ptolemies were more Greek or Egyptian in how they ruled?
- Why do you think sibling marriage helped the Ptolemaic rulers keep power?
- Was Cleopatra VII the main reason the dynasty ended, or was Rome more important?
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