The Ptolemies, Apogee and Collapse: Ptolemiac Egypt 246-146 BC

The second volume of this trilogy covers the reigns of Ptolemy II, III, IV, V, and VI, who between them reigned for a century. Ptolemy III's rule brought the acquisition of Cyrenaica and territorial gains in Syria, the Aegean, Asia Minor, and Thrace. Sosibius organized the accession of Ptolemy IV and dominated that of Ptolemy V. Ptolemy VI was one of the ablest of the Ptolemies, but hampered by continued trouble in Egypt and the court.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The second volume of this groundbreaking trilogy delves into the reigns of Ptolemy II, III, IV, V, and VI, who together ruled for a century. Ptolemy III's rule saw the acquisition of Cyrenaica through marriage and territorial gains in Syria, the Aegean, Asia Minor, and Thrace due to unexpected military successes in the Third Syrian War. These victories over the Seleukids marked the pinnacle of Ptolemaic power. However, the rest of his reign was plagued by internal strife in Egypt. Upon Ptolemy III's death, his minister Sosibius orchestrated the ascension of Ptolemy IV, had the new king's mother and siblings assassinated, and continued to rule effectively for the entirety of his reign. He also exerted dominance over Ptolemy V's reign. The Fourth Syrian War resulted in a surprising success, but it was followed by a major rebellion and defeat in the Fifth Syrian War, resulting in the loss of Syria/Palestine and Ptolemaic holdings in Asia Minor. The assassination of Ptolemy V in 180 was followed by the long and troubled reign of Ptolemy VI, one of the most capable Ptolemies, but hindered by ongoing unrest in Egypt and the court. A disastrous war against the Seleukid Antiochos IV set back the Ptolemaic recovery. Ptolemy managed to achieve a complete victory, only to succumb to wounds sustained in battle. John Grainger vividly recounts and analyzes this dramatic period of war, politics, murder, and court intrigue.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399090179