Ptolemy I

A lieutenant of Alexander the Great who founded the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt and established the Library of Alexandria.

Life

Lieutenant of Alexander

Ptolemy was a Macedonian noble, a boyhood companion and lieutenant of Alexander the Great, who followed him on campaign all the way to India. After Alexander's death in 323 BCE, he secured the governorship of Egypt and seized Alexander's body, carrying it off to Egypt for burial.

Seized the body

He held on to Egypt during the Wars of the Diadochi, proclaimed himself king in 305 BCE, and founded the Ptolemaic dynasty. In Alexandria he founded the Mouseion (Museum) and the Library, inviting scholars from everywhere and making Alexandria the intellectual center of the Hellenistic world.

Alexandria

He also wrote a biography of Alexander (now lost), and died in 282 BCE.

Legacy

The dynasty founded by Ptolemy I ruled Egypt for nearly 300 years, and the Library of Alexandria became the greatest storehouse of knowledge in the ancient world.

Major works & achievements

• History of Alexander (lost)

Did you know? Euclid is said to have told him: "There is no royal road to geometry."

Key dates

• 334 BCEAccompanied Alexander's eastern campaign
• 323 BCEBecame satrap of Egypt
• 305 BCEProclaimed himself king
• 295 BCEFounded the Library of Alexandria (approx.)
• 282 BCEDied