Ptolemy II Philadelphus ("The Sibling Loving", r. 282-246 BCE) was the second ruler of the Ptolemaic Dynasty. He consolidated the kingdom conquered by his father Ptolemy I and presided over its golden age. Ptolemy II invested heavily in Alexandria, overseeing the completion of the Library of Alexandria and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original definition at https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_II_Philadelphus/.
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- Was Ptolemy II a better ruler because he built culture and learning or because he won wars?
- Do you think marrying his sister helped Ptolemy II strengthen his rule, or did it hurt his image?
- Which do you think was the most important part of his legacy: the Library of Alexandria, new taxes, or empire expansion?
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