Ancient Ptolemaic Kings Of Egypt. Ptolemy I Soter 305-282 BC. AE22 Alexandria. Struck circa 294-285 BC.

Laureate head of Zeus right. / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, wings spread. Monogram in left field.

Svoronos 285; Sear 7763.

Size – 22 mm. Weighs – 7.98 g.

The Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, spanning from 305 BCE to 30 BCE, was a Hellenistic fusion of Greek and Egyptian cultures. Established by Ptolemy I Soter, the ruling class, though of Greek descent, strategically embraced Egyptian customs to solidify their rule. Economically, the kingdom thrived through control of the Nile Delta, fostering agricultural prosperity and strategic trade routes connecting the Mediterranean and Red Sea. At its zenith, the Ptolemaic era was marked by intellectual achievements, notably the Library of Alexandria, a renowned center of scholarship that symbolized the era's commitment to learning. Notable rulers included Ptolemy II Philadelphus and Cleopatra VII, the latter's alliance with Roman leaders like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony contributing to the kingdom's eventual demise. Internal strife and conflicts with Rome, culminating in the Battle of Actium in 30 BCE, led to the defeat of Cleopatra and Antony, resulting in the annexation of Egypt by Rome. The Ptolemaic Kingdom's legacy lies in its cultural amalgamation, economic prosperity, and contributions to intellectual pursuits, shaping the broader context of Hellenistic civilization.