05:10 The Ptolemaic dynasty founded by Ptolemy I Soter, general of Alexander the Great, ruled Egypt for three centuries, creating a powerful and wealthy Hellenistic state.
Alexander the Great conquered Persian-controlled Egypt in 332 during his campaigns against the Achaemenid Empire. After his death in 323 before Christ , Alexander's territories were divided among his closest companions, the Diadochi. One of his generals, Ptolemy, faced other members of the Diadocos. Eventually he gained control of Egypt and declared himself pharaoh.
The rulers of the Ptolemaic dynasty adopted the title of pharaoh and commissioned many public monuments of themselves in an Egyptian style of dress to gain legitimacy and the support of native Egyptians. In many other respects, the rulers maintained many of their Hellenistic traditions, often at the expense of the Egyptians. The Ptolemies insisted on the primacy of Greek within their empire while at the same time skillfully placing themselves at the center of Egyptian society and religious life to ensure their rule. In the following centuries, Egypt, especially the new capital at Alexandria, became a nexus of Hellenistic culture and emerged as the richest and strongest of Alexander's successor states.

01:25 Rise of the Ptolemaic Dynasty.
03:14 Administration and Society.
05:10 Ptolemaic Religion.
07:40 Art and culture.
10:50 Decline and Fall of the Ptolemaic Dynasty.

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