Definition: The Ptolemies were members of the final dynasty of Egyptian pharaohs, members of a Greek family based in Alexandria. Ptolemy I was a general of Alexander the Great's ruled between 323-282 BC), who with other generals inherited a hunk of Alexander's territory when Alexander died without heirs. Ptolemy took Egypt, Libya and the Sinai Peninsula, and he and his descendants would include 13 rulers of Egypt. All of the Cleopatras were members of the Ptolemaic dynasty; and it was the famous Cleopatra VII (51-30 BC) who ended the dynasty by committing suicide and turning over the keys of the Egyptian civilization to Julius Caesar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
