The Last Dynasty: Ancient Egypt from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra

Like many Egyptologists, the Ptolemies make me rather uncomfortable. It is a cliché to say that the Ptolemaic period (323-30 BC) has been thought of as too Egyptian for most classicists and too Greek for many Egyptologists. Much has been written about the period from both perspectives, but a good quality synthesis has proven elusive.

Many studies have, understandably, focused on the glamorous final star of the Ptolemaic stage, Queen Cleopatra VII (50-30 BC). But given the comparative dominance of Egypt, Greece and Rome in studies of the ancient world, it is surprising that the whole Ptolemaic period has not been subject to more popular interest. Like the proverbial bus, you wait ages for one and two show up at once.

Toby Wilkinson show more trained as an Egyptologist and is known for his popular treatments of a range of Pharaonic subjects. Here he turns his attention to the last dynasty, proving especially adept at connecting the Ptolemies with Egypt’s ancient traditions. While a more recent convert to Egyptological pursuits, Romanist Guy de la Bédoyère covers the same timespan with similar aplomb. He frames his narrative with the gradual appearance of Rome on the horizon.

Both make extensive use of official texts – often the same ones – but compare and contrast them with a wide range of contemporary documentary accounts (which have survived in profusion) and the words of (usually later and biased) classical authors. This synthesis of sources builds a dynamic picture of the period, something often missing for much of the rest of the ancient world and Egypt in particular.

Although most people know about the ignominious end of the Ptolemies, the ambition of the dynasty’s establishment is breathtaking. Ptolemy I (367-283 BC) emerges in both books as an extremely compelling character, even compared to his childhood friend and predecessor Alexander of Macedon. Having had the audacity to essentially kidnap Alexander’s body in Syria while still only satrap (‘governor’) of Egypt, Ptolemy was responsible for developing Alexandria into the magnificent hub it became, while also maintaining military sense and pursuing an impressive amount of learning. It is probably not too much of a spoiler to say that his successors were not nearly so adept at the business of government.

Read the rest of the review at https://www.historytoday.com/archive/review/last-dynasty-and-fall-egypt-and-rise...

Campbell Price is Curator of Egypt and Sudan at Manchester Museum and Chair of the Egypt Exploration Society. show less

What I most liked about this study is that Wilkinson depicts Hellenistic Egypt not as some sort of farce where conquerors who really weren't Greek tried to pretend that that they were Egyptian. At least in the early days of the Ptolemies there does seem to have been a genuine sense of trying to bring forth synergy, and Wilkinson goes into some depth of why such was the case. This was before Alexander's successors weakened themselves and left the doors open to Roman conquest.

The author has done an outstanding job of addressing a lengthy and complex period of history in a way that is highly informative and surprisingly user friendly.

By their nature, surveys of such extended periods are often tedious given the amount of information to be covered. Add to that the tremendous complexity during the Hellenistic era in general, and the Ptolemaic dynasty in particular. Unlike other authors, the reader is not besieged with a never ending Ptolemies, Cleopatras, Bernices, etc. Instead, the author presents just enough information to be informative, but not so much that the narrative is lost among the trees.

I have read many books that touch upon this particular subject, and in my opinion, the author's work is easily the show more finest in terms of clarity and readability. Highly recommended. show less

This was an interesting look at the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt from Alexander the Great right through to Cleopatra VII. While focusing on the royal aspect, the book also delves into Egyptian life, and how the Ptolemys fitted themselves into it.

Though it could be dry in places, I found the book interesting. This family was dysfunctional from the beginning right up to the end. Ptolemy I founded his dynasty. Ptolemy II brought war elephants into the equation and his reign brought prosperity to Egypt. Ptolemy III's reign saw the creation of the Library of Alexandria and the Temple of Horus. The list of accomplishments is staggering, but so is the list of defeats. There were a couple of warring Ptolemys. A couple of Cleopatras hated each show more other. Murder and scheming were to be found around every corner.

Recommended for people with in interest in Egyptian history, in particular the Ptolemaic time period. show less