Ptolemies

The Ptolemies were a Greek dynasty that ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great’s empire fragmented around 304 BCE. Founded by Ptolemy I, a general of Alexander, they combined Greek and Egyptian cultures, establishing Alexandria as a major center of learning and commerce. The Ptolemies maintained Greek political systems while adopting local customs to legitimize their rule. Their reign lasted nearly three centuries, ending with Egypt’s conquest by Rome in 30 BCE. They are known for their impressive architecture, advances in science and scholarship, and for being the last native Egyptian rulers before Roman domination.