The Ptolemies, Rise of a Dynasty: Ptolemaic Egypt 330 246 BC

Ptolemy I established the Ptolemaic dynasty's power in Egypt after Alexander the Great's death, conciliating the Egyptians and reinforcing his military strength with Greek settlers. He acquired the empire outside Egypt, fought repeated wars in Syria and the Aegean, built up his navy, and extended his empire into the lands of the Red Sea, Sudan, and Ethiopia. He taxed the Egyptians mercilessly to fund these activities, but few of his wars were successful, storing up trouble for his successors.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In this comprehensive first volume of his trilogy on the Ptolemies, John Grainger delves into the intricate details of how Ptolemy I solidified the dynasty's dominance in Egypt following the demise of Alexander the Great. Egypt had enjoyed a period of independence for the majority of the fourth century BC, but it was eventually reclaimed by the Persian Empire in the 340s. This pivotal period in history holds immense significance for understanding Ptolemaic history, as it established the foundation of Ptolemy's power. He skillfully reconciled the Egyptians while simultaneously bolstering his military might by incorporating Greek settlers, primarily retired or available soldiers. Ptolemy constructed the magnificent city of Alexandria, albeit with his unique specifications rather than following the plans envisioned by Alexander.

Beyond Egypt, Ptolemy embarked on a strategic quest to expand his empire. He successfully acquired Cyrenaica, Cyprus, and Syria/Palestine, perhaps driven by both defensive considerations and a thirst for territorial expansion. These territories required diligent defense against his rivals, leading to the development of his formidable navy and the ensuing Syrian Wars. The succession process was meticulously managed, although it deviated from direct hereditary inheritance. Ptolemy II, for instance, was not the eldest son. Nevertheless, the new king brought about significant changes. He engaged in repeated conflicts in Syria and the Aegean, expanding his navy to unprecedented levels and extending his empire into the territories of the Red Sea, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Ptolemy resorted to taxing the Egyptians relentlessly to finance these ambitious endeavors. However, the success of his wars was limited, and he left a trail of challenges for his successors to navigate.

Weight: 664g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399090223