When Antigonus I invaded Babylon, Seleucus I Nicator sought asylum in Egypt with Ptolemy, but after Ptolemy’s defeat of Antigonus’ son Demetrius I of Macedon at Gaza, Seleucus was able to return to Babylon. Few, if any, persons in the ancient Graeco-Roman world have inspired as much writing, by both ancient and modern authors, as Alexander the Great of Macedon. In Ptolemy's view, Alexander had been a rational expansionist. However, Ptolemy’s book was lost—perhaps with the destruction of the library he founded—and not even an original fragment has survived. Her father Ptolemy XII Aul… Alexander became a “state god” and his “priest” the highest clerical position in Egypt. As Alexander the Great’s empire disintegrated, however, Ptolemy established himself as a ruler in his own right. Sometime during his rule in Egypt, Ptolemy wrote a history of Alexander’s conquests. Next, when the Persian king Darius III was found dying after his defeat at Gaugamela and his assassin Bessus had been identified, it was Ptolemy who was sent to collect the assassin. Since it was on the Mediterranean Sea, it was strategically better, providing easier access to both the sea and his homeland of Greece. He was an intellectual whose remarkable works related to history, geography, and philosophy were one of the greatest scientific achievements of his times. The alliances that would be formed among these new satraps were tenuous and both war and peace would reign for 30 years. 1 The Testimonia (T) and Fragmenta (F) of these various historians - Callisthenes, Onesicritus, Nearchus, Aristobulus, Ptolemy, Cleitarchus, and the rest - as well as the Detailing Alexander's ascension to the throne of Macedonia until his death in 323 BCE, it serves as a tribute to the great military tactician. The Apocryphal Alexander: Alexander the Great in Ptolemy the Quail Ptolemaeus Chennus’s Καινὴ Ἱ 1 2ορία has perplexed scholars for centuries, as far back as the ninth-century patriarch Photius to whom we are primarily indebted for what writings of Ptolemaeus Chennus, or Ptolemy “the Quail,” survive today. The museum contained a covered arcade, seating for quiet contemplation as well as a dining hall. Numerous educational institutions recommend us, including Oxford University and Michigan State University and University of Missouri. At one place, Ptolemy corrects Cleitarchus' account of Alexander's campaigns, and this proves that Ptolemy's history was published after the History of Alexander, which can be dated between 310 and 301. In Ancient Greece, Phillip II founded a powerful and unified empire. In my opinion Ptolemy and Aristobulus are more reliable; Aristobulus was on the expedition with king Alexander, as was Ptolemy - since he later became a king himself, lying would have been more shameful for him than for any other writer. It was obvious that these two men would never agree, and this was even more evident when Ptolemy stole Alexander’s remains: Perdiccas sent Alexander’s body to a newly constructed tomb in Macedonia, but Ptolemy hijacked the body when it arrived in Damascus. Tarn, Alex. Ptolemy famously wrote a history of Alexander the Great’s life, but this priceless eye-witness account was lost forever during the decline of the Library of Alexandria during the time of the Roman Empire. It became the center of Hellenistic culture. The Museum – Library of Alexandria was likely created during his reign, or his successor Ptolemy II. and founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt, a family of fifteen kings—all of whom were named Ptolemy—who reigned over Egypt for more than three hundred years. In December 330, after the Philotas affair, Ptolemy was appointed as somatophylax, one of the seven bodyguards who served as Alexander's deputies. Formerly a s… [Greece]), Greek historian and philosopher who was one of the most distinguished authors of the 2nd-century Roman Empire. The Egyptians soon accepted the Ptolemies as the successors to the pharaohs of independent Egypt. The Hellenistic World (from the Greek word Hellas for Greece... EDIT TEST To call Polybius our best guide to Hellenistic history... Ptolemy I and the Transformation of Egypt, 404-282 BCE (Mnemosyne, Supplements... From Myth to Modern Mind: A Study of the Origins and Growth of Scientific... Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. Alexandria, one of the greatest cities of the ancient world, was founded by Alexander the Great after his conquest of Egypt in 332 BC. Please support Ancient History Encyclopedia Foundation. For example, he suggests that the account was written as a way of cementing Alexander's importance, as well as Ptolemy's, and to that end it skims over the more undesirable accounts of the famous Macedonian. By then Ptolemy had assumed the title of king as well as being named Soter meaning “savior” for his defense of Rhodes against Demetrius. Ptolemy made Alexandria the intellectual center of the Mediterranean when he built a massive library and museum there. 1 History 2 Demigods & Magicians 2.1 The Staff of Serapis 2.2 The Crown of Ptolemy 3 Abilities When Alexander the Great died in 323 BC, Ptolemy took over Egypt. Ptolemy's contribution as a historian is immense; he wrote an eyewitness history of Alexander's campaigns (which is now lost). They were the successors of Alexander the Great, who had invaded Egypt, becoming Pharaoh. Reign of Ptolemy I (366 BCE – 282 BCE). Some Rights Reserved (2009-2021) under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license unless otherwise noted. He was a veteran soldier and trusted commander who had served Alexander. Alexander was welcomed by the Egyptians as a liberator and took the country without a battle. Perdiccas resented this theft and immediately took action, attacking Egypt. Alexander after Alexander: Macedonian Propaganda and Historical Memory in Ptolemy and Aristobulus’ Writings In: Brill's Companion to the Reception of Alexander the Great. Watch it now, on The Great Courses Plus. At one place, Ptolemy corrects Cleitarchus' account of Alexander's campaigns, and this proves that Ptolemy's history was published after the History of Alexander, which can be dated between 310 and 301. It’s interesting that the name Cleopatra became so common in the Ptolemy dynasty. In Ancient Greece, Phillip II founded a powerful and unified empire. Both of these men knew Alexander personally and were present for much of his campaign, u Related Content Ptolemy, the nephew, was Antigonus's right-hand-man until his son Demetrius took on a more prominent role. Moreover, Ptolemy’s veracity, especially as an observer, has been controversial since the time of the astronomer Tycho Brahe (1546–1601 B. Bosworth and E. J. Baynham, editors of Alexander the Great in Fact and Fiction (New York: Oxford University Press, 2000). Greek became the language of both government and commerce. Among those fellow Macedonian officers who accompanied Alexander in his epic conquests from Greece to India was Ptolemy Lagides. In Persepolis, Ptolemy was linked to the burning of the city. He defeated his military opponents and extended Egyptian control in the eastern Mediterranean. Formerly a small fishing village on the Nile delta, Alexandria became the seat of the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt and developed into a great intellectual and cultural centre, perhaps the greatest city in the ancient world. The silver lining is that Ptolemy’s memoirs survived long enough for the historian Arrian to read and study them. They are almost entirely known from Arrian's Anabasis, but this is sufficient to come to some conclusions about their nature. Writings. For only $5 per month you can become a member and support our mission to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. With this failure and a loss of 2000 soldiers, his men revolted and executed him. In his World History Diodorus made mention of this incident: When the Companions were feasting, and intoxication was growing [...] a violent madness took hold of these drunken men. He eventually began using the epithet Soter (saviour). Alexander was tutored as a child, like most children in Athens, and studied mathematics, reading, writing and how to play the lyre. Alexander was tutored as a child, like most children in Athens, and studied mathematics, reading, writing and how to play the lyre. Ptolemy, son of Lagus, was a high-ranking officer in Alexander’s army, and was appointed satrap of Egypt after Alexander’s death in 323 BCE when Alexander’s generals divided up his empire. Ptolemy wrote memoirs on Alexander's campaigns. This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. The territory given to Ptolemy after Alexander the Great died was _____ The territory given to Ptolemy after Alexander the Great died was _____ THIS SET IS OFTEN IN FOLDERS WITH... World History: Unit 4. Following Alexander’s death, Ptolemy gained control of Egypt where he founded the dynasty in his name, created the great library of Alexandria, and was patron of the mathematician Euclid. While he gave respect to the Egyptian priests and even rebuilt temples destroyed by the Persians, he believed he needed another way to connect with the Egyptian people. Map of the Successor Kingdoms, c. 303 BCE. Books Young's text is an important addition to the historic saga, particularly because Ptolemy's is the only recoverable text in that earlier time period. Of note is Young's description of the Library at Alexandra and its splendor, including it as a reference for when Ptolemy's work was written. From that time, Ptolemy ruled Egypt nominally in the name of joint kings Philip III and Alexander IV. One story which may or may not be true has Ptolemy’s life being saved during the campaign into India. More recent proponents include Ian Worthington, and also A. The earliest known surviving source of information on the founding of the Library of Alexandria is the pseudepigraphic Letter of Aristeas, which was composed between c. 180 and c. 145 BC. Ptolemy began the construction of Pharos, a li… This attack, however, would be his downfall; he led his troops on three separate missions into Egypt, failing each time to cross the Nile. 17 Jan 2021. In Ptolemy's view, Alexander had been a rational expansionist. One of the women (Thasis) declared that it would be Alexander’s greatest achievement in Asia to join in their procession and set fire to the royal palace. As per the historical accounts, the first settlers in Alexandria were the retired soldiers who had participated in Alexander’s campaigns. Because of this move, Alexandria became more of a Greek rather than Egyptian city. This position was later claimed by Ptolemy. These battles became known as the Diadochi or Successor Wars. He became king of the kingdom of Macedon, a state in northern ancient Greece, and emperor of the PanHellenic alliance against the Persian Empire; he was also crowned Pharaoh of Egypt. Ptolemy made Alexandria the intellectual center of the Mediterranean when he built a massive library and museum there. The library contained thousands of papyrus scrolls and attracted men of literature and science from all over the Mediterranean area for years to come, Euclid and Archimedes being two of the more notable. - Sir William Tarn, Alexander the Great (Cambridge, 1948). The original source document has been lost to history however, it was used as a principal source for the works of Arrian of Nicomedia so most of the important information has been saved for history. Web. Byzantine Views on Alexander the Great. Following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, his empire fell apart in the wars of the Diadochi (his generals, the Diadochi or "Successors"). Titled Anabasis , presumably in order to recall Xenophon ’s work of that title, it describes Alexander’s military exploits in seven books; an eighth, the Indica , tells of Indian customs and the voyage of Nearchus in the Persian Gulf , with borrowings from Megasthenes and Eratosthenes . Ptolemy I. [...] Others joined in the cry and said that only Alexander was worthy of this deed [... and] a quantity of torches was quickly collected. After his death in 323 BCE, Alexander's Empire was left in the hands of his generals, with Ptolemy I Soter taking Egypt and making Alexandria his capital in 320 BCE. Ptolemy I (c. 366–283 B.C.E. ) The Library was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world, but details about it are a mixture of history and legend. He brought him to Alexander naked, in chains, and wearing a dog collar. Ptolemy’s name first appears during Alexander’s defeat of Memnon, the Greek mercenary general in the service of Persia, at Halicarnassus. Among those fellow Macedonian officers who accompanied Alexander in his epic conquests from Greece to India was Ptolemy Lagides. Writing the 'Anabasis' of Alexander (history of the campaigns of Alexander the Great) in the second century AD, Arrian of Nicomedia used Ptolemy's history as one of the two main sources. He was also taught how to fight, ride a horse, and hunt. Ptolemy V Epiphanes, (Greek: Illustrious) (born c. 210—died 180 bc), Macedonian king of Egypt from 205 bc under whose rule Coele Syria and most of Egypt’s other foreign possessions were lost.. After Sosibius, Ptolemy IV’s corrupt minister, had murdered Ptolemy V’s mother, the five-year-old king was officially elevated to the throne; Sosibius became his guardian. A silver coin of Alexandria depicting Alexander the Great. Moreover, Ptolemy’s veracity, especially as an observer, has been controversial since the time of the astronomer Tycho Brahe (1546–1601 Unit #4 QUIZZES. She was the first after the king to throw her blazing torch into the palace. To understand the importance of Alexandria in Hellenistic Egypt, one would have to imagine taking a walking tour of the city during the reign of the Pharaoh Ptolemy II, around 250 B.C. He was the author of a work describing the campaigns of Alexander the Great. This book presents new translations of the most important ancient writings on Alexander's life and legacy. Ancient History Encyclopedia Limited is a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom. https://www.ancient.eu/Ptolemy_I/. Ptolemy's contribution as a historian is immense; he wrote an eyewitness history of Alexander's campaigns (which is now lost). Reign of Ptolemy I (366 BCE – 282 BCE). Ptolemy V Epiphanes, (Greek: Illustrious) (born c. 210—died 180 bc), Macedonian king of Egypt from 205 bc under whose rule Coele Syria and most of Egypt’s other foreign possessions were lost.. After Sosibius, Ptolemy IV’s corrupt minister, had murdered Ptolemy V’s mother, the five-year-old king was officially elevated to the throne; Sosibius became his guardian. Early Career. Background. Career Through ... Crucifixion is the method suggested by Ptolemy, but Chares of Mytilene and Aristobulos agree that he died of natural causes while in prison. Ancient History Encyclopedia Foundation is a non-profit organization. License. Although it is probable that Ptolemy enhanced his own importance, sources indicate that it was regarded as an accurate and even-handed account of the campaigns of Alexander. It formed part of the research institute at Alexandria in Egypt that is known as the Alexandrian Museum. Rise to Power. Following a brief peace, Ptolemy was involved in a series of conflicts with both Antigonus and Demetrius, finally aiding in their defeat and Antigonus’ death at Ipsus in 301 BC. Ptolemy began the construction of the Pharos, a lighthouse (to be completed by his son Ptolemy II). In 305-304 BCE he proclaimed himself king. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms. He is eager to pass knowledge on to his students. alexx23xx. He got his wish and received in the division his first choice – Egypt. He journeyed to Siwa Oasis in the … Alexander the Great. At Issus he served in the left flank under the command of Parmenio. After his death in 323 BCE, Alexander's Empire was left in the hands of his generals, with Ptolemy I Soter taking Egypt and making Alexandria his capital in 320 BCE. A book about a lost book, Young's work diligently recounts the History of Alexander's Conquests of Ptolemy Lagides, a Macedonian officer who accompanied Alexander the Great during his conquests and who was later to lead the city of Alexandria in its triumph after Alexander's death. Retrieved from https://www.ancient.eu/Ptolemy_I/. Ptolemy made only a few vague and disparaging remarks regarding theoretical work over the intervening three centuries, yet the study of the planets undoubtedly made great strides during that interval. His book, however, was acknowledged as a primary source of information for later Roman historians.In The Lost Book of Alexander the Great, Andrew Young explores the world of ancient writings about the Macedonian leader in order to determine whether any of Ptolemy’s writings can be recovered. He exhibits great literary acuteness in the choice of his authorities and in sifting evidence. The Egyptians soon accepted the Ptolemies as the successors to the pharaohs of independent Egypt. Ptolemy, one of the seven somatophylakes (bodyguards) who served as Alexander the Great's generals and deputies, was appointed satrap of Egypt after Alexander's death in 323 BC. Ptolemy served alongside Alexander from the Persian defeat at the Battle of Issus in modern-day Turkey and the journey to find the oracle that proclaimed Alexander to be Zeus incarnate, to the Battle of the Hydaspes River in 326 BC that opened India to the West. 75 terms. The library contained thousands of papyrus scrolls and attracted men of literature and science from all over the Mediterranean area for years to come, Euclid and Archimedes being two of the more notable. 78 terms. Next, he created a new religion with a new god Serapis, the god of healing. His father, Juba II of Numidia ruled as a wise and good king. After Ptolemy was struck by a poisoned arrow, it was Alexander who saved his life by using various native herbs to extract the poison. Both of these men knew Alexander personally and were present for much of his campaign, u . Amazingly, the only member of the Ptolemaic Dynasty to ever learn Egyptian was Cleopatra VII. SkyDavids11414--2. Ptolemy, one of the seven somatophylakes (bodyguards) of Macedon who served as Alexander the Great's generals and deputies, was appointed satrap of Egypt after Alexander's death in 323 BC. Upon the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, the throne of Egypt fell to Ptolemy I, the son of Lagus. Last modified February 03, 2012. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historiography_of_Alexander_the_Great He was in Egypt in 332 BC at Siwa and Memphis, but the History of Alexander has him playing a vital role in a number of conflicts in India while others have him as only a minor if not insignificant participant. Ptolemaeus (Ancient Greek: Πτολεμαῖος, romanized: Ptolemaios) or Ptolemy (died 309 BC) was a nephew and general of Antigonus I Monophthalmus, one of the Successors of Alexander the Great.His father was also called Ptolemy and was a brother of Antigonus. They first met when Aristotle tutored Alexander the Great. The Landmarks in the Ancient city of Alexandria. It became one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Since he did not want to fall under the influence of the priests and officials at Memphis, Ptolemy’s first decision was to move the country’s capital to Alexandria. It was during this time, after a failed conspiracy to kill Alexander was discovered, that Ptolemy was named one of the king’s personal bodyguards. While he became involved in the infighting among the others and eventually acquired lands in the eastern Mediterranean, his major concern was Egypt. At his death in 323 BC, Alexander the Great ruled an empire stretching from the Balkans to India, yet the best accounts we have of his life were written hundreds of years after his death. Although older than Alexander and many of the other generals who followed Alexander into Persia, he still became a close friend, advisor and later one of his seven personal bodyguards. Although his role is unclear, most historical accounts are in agreement that Ptolemy was with Alexander in both Egypt and India. As an amuetur historuan, I have read many accounts of Alexander the Great but I’ve never heard anything about his sister other than her name and her marriage to Alexander I. I’ll have to read on her further. Opponents and extended Egyptian control in the United Kingdom major concern and ambition did not go far beyond borders... Created a new god Serapis, the throne of Egypt was appointed satrap... From Arrian 's Anabasis, but this is sufficient to come to conclusions! Lot of one of the ptolemy writings on alexander the great history Encyclopedia Limited is a non-profit organization registered in Canada life being saved the! His campaign, u liked Perdiccas, and hunt was that no one liked Perdiccas, and hunt he Alexander... The collection of documents in 334 BCE however, we can perhaps be a little more! 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