Ptolemies

At the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. his empire was divided among his generals, Egypt falling to the lot of his favourite and familiar companion, Ptolemy, a man who had risen from an obscure position in the army. He founded a dynasty which lasted nearly three hundred years, ending with the death of Cleopatra in 30 B.C. The history of the fourteen Ptolemies and the seven Cleopatras is a record of small campaigns, murders, and immorality. At the same time there was great literary and scientific activity during the early part of the period. Many temples were built, the well-preserved remains of which form some of the finest examples of architecture extant; the style of art had, however, altered considerably from that of Pharaonic times. At Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Dendera there are Ptolemaic temples. (See Cleopatra .)