|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| biography |
classifications |
major works |
cross references |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
biography
| name: |
Ptolemy I Soter
|
| |
(‘Saviour’)
|
pronunciation:
[tolemee]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (c.366–c.283 BC)
|
| biography:
| Macedonian general in the army of Alexander the Great, who became ruler of Egypt after Alexander's death (323 BC). In 304 BC he adopted the royal title, and thus founded the Ptolemaic dynasty. An able ruler, he secured control over Palestine, Cyprus, and parts of Asia Minor, and placed his regime everywhere on a sound military and financial basis. In 305 BC he defended the Rhodians against Demetrius, and received from them the title of Soter. Abroad, the empire was maintained, and in Egypt, Alexandria (with its royally founded museum and library) became the chief centre for learning in the Mediterranean world. On his abdication in 285 BC, he was succeeded by his son as Ptolemy II Philadelphus. |
|
|
 |
|