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Period of ancient Egypt

Ptolemaic Period Egypt

332–30 BCE

The Ptolemaic Period begins with Alexander the Great's conquest of Egypt in 332 BCE, followed by the short Macedonian (Argead) phase. From 305 BCE the Ptolemies ruled from Alexandria, with Greek as the language of government and Egyptian temples continuing as centres of royal cult.

Rome's influence grew in the last century of the dynasty. The period ends with the death of Cleopatra VII in 30 BCE and the annexation of Egypt by Rome.

Key themes

Macedonian Dynasty of Egypt

332–305 BCE

The Macedonian, or Argead, dynasty covers Egypt from Alexander the Great's conquest in 332 BCE to Ptolemy's taking of the royal title.

Read the full Macedonian Dynasty guide →

Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt

305–30 BCE

The Ptolemaic dynasty was a Macedonian Greek royal house that ruled Egypt from Alexandria for nearly three centuries.

Read the full Ptolemaic Dynasty guide →