This compelling narrative provides the only comprehensive guide in English to the rise and decline of Ptolemaic rule in Egypt over three centuries - from the death of Alexander in 323 BC to the tragic deaths of Antony and Cleopatra in 30 BC. It is a comprehensive survey of the political history of the period and will be a basic resource for students of this period.
A History of the Ptolemaic Kingdom covers three centuries from the invasion of Egypt by Alexander the Great to the death of Cleopatra VII (320-30 BC). From their base in Egypt, the Ptolemies created the most powerful empire in the eastern Mediterranean, extending from the Great Syrte in Libya to Palestine, Syria, Cyprus and Asia Minor. From 200 BC the Ptolemies gradually lost their wider empire as a result of conflict within the growing power of Rome. This book is a comprehensive survey of the political history of the period. It shows how the Ptolemies developed the kingship ideals of the Egyptian Pharaohs to create a new ideal of Hellenistic monarchy. Hoelbl draws on both Greek and demotic texts and inscriptions, as well as archaeological data and the artistic record. There has been no general survey of Ptolemaic Egypt since J. P. Mahaffy's a century ago, and this book will be a basic resource for students of a period that is attracting increasing attention not least because of the wealth of evidence from papyrus finds in both Greek and demotic.
“'A fascinating introduction.'- Patricia Spencer, Egyptian Archaeology”
'Authoritative and meticulous historical account ... a fascinating introduction.' - Patricia Spencer, Egyptian Archaeology, 2001
'A fascinating introduction.' - Patricia Spencer, Egyptian Archaeology
Günther Hölbl
This compelling narrative provides the only comprehensive guide in English to the rise and decline of Ptolemaic rule in Egypt over three centuries - from the death of Alexander in 323 BC to the tragic deaths of Antony and Cleopatra in 30 BC. The skilful integration of material from a vast array of sources allows the reader to trace the political and religious development of one of the most powerful empires of the ancient eastern Mediterranean. It shows how the success of the Ptolemies was due in part to their adoption of many features of the Egyptian Pharaohs who preceded them - their deification and funding of cults and temples throughout Egypt.
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