The making of the "Helenistic Egypt": the influence of the War of the Diadochi and the rule of Ptolemy I. Soter and Ptolemy II. Philadelphus

Abstract

Egyptian civilization and culture has evolved, with some disruption, continuously for around 5000 years and became recognizable by certain features that changed significantly with the coming of Alexander the Great and the establishment of the Ptolemaic dynasty. After the death of Alexander, his successors spent many years fighting for supremacy over certain territories. A member of Alexander’s Royal Bodyguards, Ptolemy, managed to secure his government in the rich satrapy of Egypt. Later he declared himself King and was crowned Pharaoh of Upper and Lower Egypt thus creating an independent monarchy. He followed Alexander’s example and learnt from Alexander’s mistakes. With their fight, effort, and commitment, Ptolemy I Soter and his son Ptolemy II Philadelphus made Egypt a strong monarchy and the manner of government and the culture that arose from that marked the Hellenistic age.