Colony of Ptolemaic Egypt

The Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt was a Hellenistic state established after Alexander the Great's empire fragmented in 304 BCE. It was ruled by the Ptolemaic dynasty, a Greek family that maintained control over Egypt for nearly three centuries. The Ptolemaic rulers combined Greek culture, governance, and military power with Egypt’s traditions, creating a unique blend. Alexandria, their capital, became a major center of learning and trade. Despite Greek dominance, the Ptolemies relied heavily on Egyptian subjects and customs, making Egypt a wealthy and culturally diverse “colony” or province within their Hellenistic empire.