Ptolemaic EgyptPtolemaic Egypt

March 28March 28thth, 2012, 2012

Kingdom of the PtolemiesKingdom of the Ptolemies

http://www.unc.edu/awmc/downloads/aegyptusPtolSml.jpg

Ptolemaic Egypt: General Ptolemaic Egypt: General RemarksRemarks

Longest lasting Hellenistic kingdom.Longest lasting Hellenistic kingdom.

Relatively well documented.Relatively well documented.

Long established indigenous political, Long established indigenous political, cultural, religious traditions.cultural, religious traditions.

Significance of geography.Significance of geography.

The Geography of Ptolemaic The Geography of Ptolemaic EgyptEgypt

Ca. 1000 sq.km; stretched out along the Nile flood plain.Ca. 1000 sq.km; stretched out along the Nile flood plain.

Ca. 800 km long x ca. 10-20 km wide.Ca. 800 km long x ca. 10-20 km wide.

Four main ports: Alexandria, Myos Hormos, Leukos Limen, Berenike).Four main ports: Alexandria, Myos Hormos, Leukos Limen, Berenike).

Agriculture determined by the Nile flood cycle; canals needed to Agriculture determined by the Nile flood cycle; canals needed to drain marshy areas and irrigate dry areas.drain marshy areas and irrigate dry areas.

Well supplied with gems, semi-precious stones, and building stone.Well supplied with gems, semi-precious stones, and building stone.

Few major cities (Thebes, Memphis, Alexandria); majority of pop. in Few major cities (Thebes, Memphis, Alexandria); majority of pop. in smaller villages and towns.smaller villages and towns.

Levant always coveted by Egyptians; source of conflict with outside Levant always coveted by Egyptians; source of conflict with outside powers.powers.

Egypt before the PtolemiesEgypt before the Ptolemies One of the earliest complex civilizations in the Mediterranean basin One of the earliest complex civilizations in the Mediterranean basin

(ca. 3200 BCE).(ca. 3200 BCE).

Wealth of Egypt a powerful attraction to outsiders (i.e. Hyksos; Wealth of Egypt a powerful attraction to outsiders (i.e. Hyksos; Persians – 525-404, 341-331; Alexander, after 331).Persians – 525-404, 341-331; Alexander, after 331).

Majority of the pop. Egyptian small cultivators; paid taxes in kind; Majority of the pop. Egyptian small cultivators; paid taxes in kind; Cultivators legally free (i.e. Slave ownership limited to Greek Cultivators legally free (i.e. Slave ownership limited to Greek communities; communities; anachoresisanachoresis “going up”). “going up”).

Highly centralized political authority (pharaohs); foreign rulers Highly centralized political authority (pharaohs); foreign rulers tolerated – must conform to native traditions (esp. religious tolerated – must conform to native traditions (esp. religious customs).customs).

Temples and Priests an important factor in Egyptian politics; Major Temples and Priests an important factor in Egyptian politics; Major landholder and tax collectors; Priests a privileged class; Considerable landholder and tax collectors; Priests a privileged class; Considerable autonomy from royal power.autonomy from royal power.

Imposing new/foreign forms of government not likely to succeed. Imposing new/foreign forms of government not likely to succeed.

Establishing the Ptolemaic Establishing the Ptolemaic DynastyDynasty

331 BCE – Egypt conquered by Alexander the Great; foundations 331 BCE – Egypt conquered by Alexander the Great; foundations of Alexandria laid.of Alexandria laid.

331-323 BCE – Governed by Cleomenes III of Naucratis as satrap.331-323 BCE – Governed by Cleomenes III of Naucratis as satrap.

323 BCE – Cleomenes hands over Egypt and 8000 talents to 323 BCE – Cleomenes hands over Egypt and 8000 talents to Ptolemy I Son of Lagus; Cleomenes killed (ca. 320 BCE) under Ptolemy I Son of Lagus; Cleomenes killed (ca. 320 BCE) under suspicion collusion with Perdiccas.suspicion collusion with Perdiccas.

323-304 BCE – Satrap of Egypt; King Ptolemy I Soter from 304 323-304 BCE – Satrap of Egypt; King Ptolemy I Soter from 304 BCE.BCE.

Benevolent toward native Egyptians (esp. priestly class); Secured Benevolent toward native Egyptians (esp. priestly class); Secured Greco-Macedonian loyalties by seizing Alexander’s body.Greco-Macedonian loyalties by seizing Alexander’s body.

Existing political and economic structures left intact.Existing political and economic structures left intact.

The Ptolemaic DynastyThe Ptolemaic Dynasty Ptolemy I Soter (323-283).Ptolemy I Soter (323-283). Ptolemy II Philadelphos (285-246).Ptolemy II Philadelphos (285-246). Ptolemy III Euergetes (246-221).Ptolemy III Euergetes (246-221). Ptolemy IV Philopator (221-204).Ptolemy IV Philopator (221-204). Ptolemy V Epiphanes (204-180).Ptolemy V Epiphanes (204-180). Ptolemy VI Philometor (180-145).Ptolemy VI Philometor (180-145). Ptolemy VIII Euergetes (170-163); Ptolemy VIII Euergetes (170-163);

son of Ptolemy V.son of Ptolemy V. Cleopatra II (170-164); daughter Cleopatra II (170-164); daughter

of Ptolemy V.of Ptolemy V. Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator; son Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator; son

of Ptolemy VI.of Ptolemy VI. Ptolemy VIII (145-116).Ptolemy VIII (145-116). Cleopatra III (139-101); daughter Cleopatra III (139-101); daughter

of Ptolemy VI and wife of Ptolemy of Ptolemy VI and wife of Ptolemy VIII.VIII.

Ptolemy IX Soter II Lathyros (116-Ptolemy IX Soter II Lathyros (116-107)107)

Ptolemy X Alexander I (107-88); son Ptolemy X Alexander I (107-88); son of Ptolemy VIII.of Ptolemy VIII.

Cleopatra Berenice (101-88); Cleopatra Berenice (101-88); daughter of Ptolemy IX.daughter of Ptolemy IX.

Ptolemy IX (88-81).Ptolemy IX (88-81). Cleopatra Berenice (80).Cleopatra Berenice (80). Ptolemy XI Alexander II (80); son of Ptolemy XI Alexander II (80); son of

Ptolemy X.Ptolemy X. Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos Auletes Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos Auletes

(80-58); son of Ptolemy XI.(80-58); son of Ptolemy XI. Berenice IV (58-55); daughter of Berenice IV (58-55); daughter of

Ptolemy XI.Ptolemy XI. Archelaeos (56-55); husband of Archelaeos (56-55); husband of

Berenice IV.Berenice IV. Ptolemy XII (55-51).Ptolemy XII (55-51). Ptolemy XIII (51-47); son of Ptolemy Ptolemy XIII (51-47); son of Ptolemy

XI.XI. Cleopatra VII Philopator (51-30); Cleopatra VII Philopator (51-30);

daughter of Ptolemy XI.daughter of Ptolemy XI. Ptolemy XIV (47-44); son of Ptolemy Ptolemy XIV (47-44); son of Ptolemy

XI.XI.

Ptolemaic Foreign Affairs to 217 Ptolemaic Foreign Affairs to 217 BCEBCE

Foreign affairs preoccupied with: 1. Territorial acquisitions in Syria. 2. Causing problems for Foreign affairs preoccupied with: 1. Territorial acquisitions in Syria. 2. Causing problems for the Antigonids in Greece.the Antigonids in Greece.

Beyond strategic considerations, a Hellenistic king must: 1. Prove his strength on the Beyond strategic considerations, a Hellenistic king must: 1. Prove his strength on the battlefield. 2. Acquire tribute (both for economic, timber, metals etc. - and symbolic value).battlefield. 2. Acquire tribute (both for economic, timber, metals etc. - and symbolic value).

319 BCE - Ptolemy I takes Coile Syria; Lost to Antigonus I.319 BCE - Ptolemy I takes Coile Syria; Lost to Antigonus I. 301 BCE – Ptolemy I retakes part of Coile Syria and South-Eastern Asia Minor.301 BCE – Ptolemy I retakes part of Coile Syria and South-Eastern Asia Minor. Ca. 286 BCE – Ptolemy I seizes control of the Nesiotic League and appoints a Ca. 286 BCE – Ptolemy I seizes control of the Nesiotic League and appoints a nesiarchosnesiarchos..

Six Syrian Wars: First (274-271), Second (260-253), Third (246-241), Fourth (219-211), Fifth Six Syrian Wars: First (274-271), Second (260-253), Third (246-241), Fourth (219-211), Fifth (202-200), Sixth (169-168).(202-200), Sixth (169-168).

Syrian wars often emerge in close proximity to accession of new Seleucid and/or Ptolemy Syrian wars often emerge in close proximity to accession of new Seleucid and/or Ptolemy monarchs (i.e. Antiochus I Soter, 261 BCE – 2monarchs (i.e. Antiochus I Soter, 261 BCE – 2ndnd Syrian War, 260 BCE; Seleucus II Callinicus, Syrian War, 260 BCE; Seleucus II Callinicus, 246 BCE – Ptolemy III, 246 BCE – 3246 BCE – Ptolemy III, 246 BCE – 3rdrd Syrian War, 246 BCE; Antiochus III Megas, 223 BCE, Syrian War, 246 BCE; Antiochus III Megas, 223 BCE, Ptolemy IV, 222 BCE – 4Ptolemy IV, 222 BCE – 4thth Syrian War, 219 BCE). Syrian War, 219 BCE).

Interference of Ptolemy II in Chremonidean War (267-262 BCE).Interference of Ptolemy II in Chremonidean War (267-262 BCE).

Ptolemies maintain supremacy at sea until b. of Raphia (217 BCE, Antiochus III vs. Ptolemy Ptolemies maintain supremacy at sea until b. of Raphia (217 BCE, Antiochus III vs. Ptolemy IV – Fourth Syrian War).IV – Fourth Syrian War).

Reign of Ptolemy IV seen as the start of Ptolemaic decline in both domestic and foreign Reign of Ptolemy IV seen as the start of Ptolemaic decline in both domestic and foreign affairs.affairs.

Polybius on the Objectives of Polybius on the Objectives of Ptolemaic Foreign PolicyPtolemaic Foreign Policy

““For they threatened the kings of Syria (i.e. the For they threatened the kings of Syria (i.e. the Seleucids) by land and by sea, as they were Seleucids) by land and by sea, as they were masters of Coile Syria and Cyprus; their sphere of masters of Coile Syria and Cyprus; their sphere of control included the dynasts in Asia and also the control included the dynasts in Asia and also the islands, as they were masters of the most islands, as they were masters of the most important cities, strongholds and harbours along important cities, strongholds and harbours along the whole coast of Pamphylia to the Hellespont and the whole coast of Pamphylia to the Hellespont and the region of Lysimachea. They kept a watch on the region of Lysimachea. They kept a watch on affairs in Thrace and Macedonia through their affairs in Thrace and Macedonia through their control of Aenus and Maronea and of even more control of Aenus and Maronea and of even more distant cities. In this way, having extended their distant cities. In this way, having extended their reach so far and having shielded themselves at a reach so far and having shielded themselves at a great distance with these possessions, they never great distance with these possessions, they never worried about their rule in Egypt. That is why they worried about their rule in Egypt. That is why they rightly devoted much attention to foreign affairs.” rightly devoted much attention to foreign affairs.” (Polybius V. 34. M.M. Austin, Doc. 223)(Polybius V. 34. M.M. Austin, Doc. 223)

Ptolemaic Interference in Ptolemaic Interference in Greece:Greece:

The Chremonides DecreeThe Chremonides Decree ““Chremonides son of Eteocles of Aethalidae moved: since Chremonides son of Eteocles of Aethalidae moved: since

previously the Athenians, the Lacedaemonians, and their previously the Athenians, the Lacedaemonians, and their respective allies after establishing a common friendship respective allies after establishing a common friendship and alliance with each other have fought together many and alliance with each other have fought together many glorious battles against those who sought to enslave the glorious battles against those who sought to enslave the cities, which won them fame and brought freedom to the cities, which won them fame and brought freedom to the other Greeks; and now, when similar circumstances have other Greeks; and now, when similar circumstances have afflicted the whole of Greece because of those who seek to afflicted the whole of Greece because of those who seek to subvert the laws and ancestral constitutions of each city, subvert the laws and ancestral constitutions of each city, and King Ptolemy following the policy of his ancestor and of and King Ptolemy following the policy of his ancestor and of his sister conspicuously shows his zeal for the common his sister conspicuously shows his zeal for the common freedom of the Greeks; and the people of Athens having freedom of the Greeks; and the people of Athens having made an alliance with him and the other Greeks has passed made an alliance with him and the other Greeks has passed a decree to invite all to follow the same policy; and likewise a decree to invite all to follow the same policy; and likewise the Lacedaemonians, who are friends and allies of King the Lacedaemonians, who are friends and allies of King Ptolemy, have voted to make an alliance with the people of Ptolemy, have voted to make an alliance with the people of Athens…” (Syll. 434-5, IG II2. 687, Staatsv. III. 476. – lines Athens…” (Syll. 434-5, IG II2. 687, Staatsv. III. 476. – lines 7-24M.M. Austin, Doc. 49)7-24M.M. Austin, Doc. 49)

Expansion of the PtolemiesExpansion of the Ptolemies

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The Domestic Affairs of the The Domestic Affairs of the Ptolemies to 217 BCEPtolemies to 217 BCE

323-217 BCE – Period of general internal stability and prosperity.323-217 BCE – Period of general internal stability and prosperity.

The Great Library of Alexandria completed under Ptolemy II.The Great Library of Alexandria completed under Ptolemy II.

245 BCE – First major native Egyptian uprising (quickly quelled by 245 BCE – First major native Egyptian uprising (quickly quelled by Ptolemy III).Ptolemy III).

Reign of Ptolemy IV seen as turning point; recruitment of native Reign of Ptolemy IV seen as turning point; recruitment of native levies touches off Egyptian revolts.levies touches off Egyptian revolts.

7 native revolts in total: 245 BCE, 217 BCE, 197-185 BCE (Lower 7 native revolts in total: 245 BCE, 217 BCE, 197-185 BCE (Lower Egypt), 206-186 (Thebes), 165 (Thebes), 131-130 (Harsiesis), 88-Egypt), 206-186 (Thebes), 165 (Thebes), 131-130 (Harsiesis), 88-86 (Thebes).86 (Thebes).

Connections between b. of Raphia and subsequent native revolts Connections between b. of Raphia and subsequent native revolts tentative; Control over territories below the first cataract always tentative; Control over territories below the first cataract always tenuous.tenuous.

Theocritus on Egypt and the Theocritus on Egypt and the Reign of Ptolemy IIReign of Ptolemy II

““Zeus son of Cronus cares for august kings, but preeminent is Zeus son of Cronus cares for august kings, but preeminent is the one whom Zeus has loved from the moment of his birth. the one whom Zeus has loved from the moment of his birth. Prosperity attends him in abundance, and vast is the territory Prosperity attends him in abundance, and vast is the territory he rules, and vast the sea. Countless countries, and countless he rules, and vast the sea. Countless countries, and countless nations, helped by the rain of Zeus, cause their crops to grow, nations, helped by the rain of Zeus, cause their crops to grow, but none is as productive as the lowlands of Egypt when the but none is as productive as the lowlands of Egypt when the Nile in flood waters and breaks up the soil, nor does any have Nile in flood waters and breaks up the soil, nor does any have as many towns skilled in work. Three hundred cities are built as many towns skilled in work. Three hundred cities are built there, then three thousand in addition to thirty thousand, and there, then three thousand in addition to thirty thousand, and twice three and three times nine besides; over all these mighty twice three and three times nine besides; over all these mighty Ptolemy rules as king. In additions he cuts off for himself a part Ptolemy rules as king. In additions he cuts off for himself a part of Phoenicia, Arabia, Syria, Libya, and of the dark-skinned of Phoenicia, Arabia, Syria, Libya, and of the dark-skinned Ethiopians. He gives orders to all the Pamphylians, to the Ethiopians. He gives orders to all the Pamphylians, to the Cilician spearmen, to the Lycians, and to the warlike Carians, Cilician spearmen, to the Lycians, and to the warlike Carians, and to the islands of the Cyclades, since his are the finest ships and to the islands of the Cyclades, since his are the finest ships that sail the seas. All the sea and the land and the roaring that sail the seas. All the sea and the land and the roaring rivers are ruled by Ptolemy, and about him gather a host of rivers are ruled by Ptolemy, and about him gather a host of horsemen and a host of shielded warriors, equipped with horsemen and a host of shielded warriors, equipped with glittering bronze.” (Theocritus XVII. 73-130. M.M. Austin, Doc. glittering bronze.” (Theocritus XVII. 73-130. M.M. Austin, Doc. 217)217)

The Reign of Ptolemy IVThe Reign of Ptolemy IV ““After his father’s death, Ptolemy (IV) who was called After his father’s death, Ptolemy (IV) who was called

Philopator put to death his brother Magas and his followers Philopator put to death his brother Magas and his followers and took over power in Egypt. He felt free from internal and took over power in Egypt. He felt free from internal threats thanks to his efforts and to the action just threats thanks to his efforts and to the action just mentioned, and felt that fortune had released him from mentioned, and felt that fortune had released him from foreign perils, as Antigonus (Doson) and Seleucus (III) had foreign perils, as Antigonus (Doson) and Seleucus (III) had died, and Antiochus (III) and Philip (V), who had succeeded died, and Antiochus (III) and Philip (V), who had succeeded them on the throne, were very young and had barely them on the throne, were very young and had barely reached manhood. Consequently he felt secure in his reached manhood. Consequently he felt secure in his present position and conducted his reign with too much present position and conducted his reign with too much ostentation; he made himself invisible and difficult of ostentation; he made himself invisible and difficult of access to his courtiers and other officials who governed access to his courtiers and other officials who governed Egypt, and showed himself indifferent and frivolous towards Egypt, and showed himself indifferent and frivolous towards those in charge of foreign affairs, though his predecessors those in charge of foreign affairs, though his predecessors had devoted not less but more care to them than to their had devoted not less but more care to them than to their rule of Egypt itself. (Polybius V. 34. M.M. Austin, Doc. 223)rule of Egypt itself. (Polybius V. 34. M.M. Austin, Doc. 223)

Polybius on the Consequences Polybius on the Consequences of the Battle of Raphia (217 of the Battle of Raphia (217

BCE)BCE) ““Immediately after this Ptolemy (IV) became Immediately after this Ptolemy (IV) became

involved in the war against the Egyptians. involved in the war against the Egyptians. For this king, by arming the Egyptians for For this king, by arming the Egyptians for the war against Antiochus (III), took a the war against Antiochus (III), took a decision which though acceptable for the decision which though acceptable for the present involved a miscalculation for the present involved a miscalculation for the future. For they were elated by the success future. For they were elated by the success at Raphia and could no longer endure to at Raphia and could no longer endure to take orders, but looked out for a figure to take orders, but looked out for a figure to lead them as they believed they were now lead them as they believed they were now able to fend for themselves. And that is able to fend for themselves. And that is what they achieved not long after.” what they achieved not long after.” (Polybius V.107.1-3. M.M. Austin, Doc. 225 (Polybius V.107.1-3. M.M. Austin, Doc. 225 A).A).

Ptolemaic EgyptPtolemaic Egypt

http://www.unc.edu/awmc/downloads/aegyptusPtolSml.jpg

Political and Economic Political and Economic Structures in Ptolemaic EgyptStructures in Ptolemaic Egypt

Ptolemies ruled as literal god-kings.Ptolemies ruled as literal god-kings.

Est. Greco-Macedonian ruling class over an indigenous Est. Greco-Macedonian ruling class over an indigenous Egyptian population.Egyptian population.

Est. a highly centralized government and state controlled Est. a highly centralized government and state controlled economy.economy.

Egypt divided into administrative districts (Egypt divided into administrative districts (nomesnomes, , topoitopoi, , and and komaikomai).).

Bureaucracy comprised of Bureaucracy comprised of nomarchsnomarchs, , toparchstoparchs, , komarchskomarchs, , strategoistrategoi + financial officials in + financial officials in dioiketesdioiketes and and oikonomoi.oikonomoi.

Avoid generalizations; local variations.Avoid generalizations; local variations.

Inscription Honoring Ptolemy III and BereniceInscription Honoring Ptolemy III and BereniceMarch 4, 238 BCEMarch 4, 238 BCE

““In the reign of Ptolemy son of Ptolemy and Arsinoe, In the reign of Ptolemy son of Ptolemy and Arsinoe, the Brother-Sister Gods, in the ninth year, when the Brother-Sister Gods, in the ninth year, when Apollonides son of Moschion was priest of Alexander Apollonides son of Moschion was priest of Alexander and of the Brother-Sister Gods and of the Benefactor and of the Brother-Sister Gods and of the Benefactor Gods, when Menecratea was basket bearer of Arsinoe Gods, when Menecratea was basket bearer of Arsinoe Philadelphos….decree….be it resolved by priests in Philadelphos….decree….be it resolved by priests in the country to increase the honors which already exist the country to increase the honors which already exist in the temples for King Ptolemy and Queen Berenice, in the temples for King Ptolemy and Queen Berenice, the Benefactor Gods, and to their parents, the the Benefactor Gods, and to their parents, the Brother-Sister Gods, and to their grandparents, the Brother-Sister Gods, and to their grandparents, the Savior Gods, and (be it resolved) that priests in all the Savior Gods, and (be it resolved) that priests in all the temples throughout the land should be called priests temples throughout the land should be called priests of the Benefactor Gods and should be inscribed in all of the Benefactor Gods and should be inscribed in all public documents, and that the priesthood of the public documents, and that the priesthood of the Benefactor Gods should be engraved on the rings Benefactor Gods should be engraved on the rings they wear.” (OGIS 56. M.M. Austin, 1981)they wear.” (OGIS 56. M.M. Austin, 1981)

A Centrally Directed Economy:A Centrally Directed Economy:The King to his The King to his OikonomosOikonomos (Late 3 (Late 3rdrd Century BCE) Century BCE)

(Sc. You must inspect)….and the water-ducts which run through [the] (Sc. You must inspect)….and the water-ducts which run through [the] fields,/whether the intakes into them have the prescribed depth and fields,/whether the intakes into them have the prescribed depth and whether there is sufficient space in them; the peasants are used to whether there is sufficient space in them; the peasants are used to leading water from these to the land each of them sows. Similarly/ with leading water from these to the land each of them sows. Similarly/ with the canals mentioned from which the intakes go into the above-the canals mentioned from which the intakes go into the above-mentioned water-ducts, (you must inspect) whether they are solidly mentioned water-ducts, (you must inspect) whether they are solidly made and whether the entries from the river are kept as clean possible made and whether the entries from the river are kept as clean possible and whether in general/ they are in good condition. During your tour of and whether in general/ they are in good condition. During your tour of inspection try as you [go] about to encourage everybody and make them inspection try as you [go] about to encourage everybody and make them feel happier; you should do this not only by words, but also should any of feel happier; you should do this not only by words, but also should any of them / have a complaint against the village scribes or the village chiefs them / have a complaint against the village scribes or the village chiefs (komarchai) about anything to do with agriculture, you should (komarchai) about anything to do with agriculture, you should investigate the matter and as far as possible put an end to such investigate the matter and as far as possible put an end to such incidents. When sowing has been completed, / it would not be a bad incidents. When sowing has been completed, / it would not be a bad thing if you made a careful tour of inspection; for in this way you will get thing if you made a careful tour of inspection; for in this way you will get a precise idea of the sprouting (of the crops), and you will easily see a precise idea of the sprouting (of the crops), and you will easily see what has not been properly sown or left altogether unsown, and you will what has not been properly sown or left altogether unsown, and you will [know from] this those who are guilty of negligence, / and it will be [know from] this those who are guilty of negligence, / and it will be known to you [whether anyone] has used the seeds for other purposes. known to you [whether anyone] has used the seeds for other purposes. You must consider it one of your most imperative duties to make sure You must consider it one of your most imperative duties to make sure that the nome is sown with the crops specified in the sowing schedule.” that the nome is sown with the crops specified in the sowing schedule.” (P. Tebt. 703. M.M. Austin, Doc. 255)(P. Tebt. 703. M.M. Austin, Doc. 255)

Land Tenure ArrangementsLand Tenure Arrangements Royal lands – Leased out to (mostly Greek and Macedonian) Royal lands – Leased out to (mostly Greek and Macedonian)

renters in exchange for military or administrative services; renters in exchange for military or administrative services; rent paid in kind.rent paid in kind.

Temple lands – Leased out subdivided land to tenant Temple lands – Leased out subdivided land to tenant farmers (usually native Egyptians).farmers (usually native Egyptians).

Cleruchies – Land leased (for life) from King to Greeks and Cleruchies – Land leased (for life) from King to Greeks and Macedonians in exchange for military or administrative Macedonians in exchange for military or administrative services; subleased to tenant farmers (usually native services; subleased to tenant farmers (usually native Egyptians).Egyptians).

Peasant tenant farmers mostly native Egyptians; free not Peasant tenant farmers mostly native Egyptians; free not servile labor.servile labor.

Must not generalize; evidence spotty.Must not generalize; evidence spotty.

A Lease Agreement (256 A Lease Agreement (256 BCE)BCE)

““In the reign of Ptolemy (II) son of Ptolemy In the reign of Ptolemy (II) son of Ptolemy (I) Soter….Hegisarchus, son of Theopompus (I) Soter….Hegisarchus, son of Theopompus and Theopompus son of Hegisarchus and and Theopompus son of Hegisarchus and Nicodemus son of Hegisarchus, all three Nicodemus son of Hegisarchus, all three Macedonians ‘of the epigone’, have Macedonians ‘of the epigone’, have contracted to work / for one year, from contracted to work / for one year, from Zenon son of Agreophon, of Caunus, [in the Zenon son of Agreophon, of Caunus, [in the service of] Apollonius the dioiketes, from the service of] Apollonius the dioiketes, from the 10,000 aruras given by the king to 10,000 aruras given by the king to Apollonius the dioiketes at Philadelphia in Apollonius the dioiketes at Philadelphia in the Arsinoite nome, 100 aruras of seed land the Arsinoite nome, 100 aruras of seed land in the 3in the 3rdrd basin which stretches from north basin which stretches from north to south…” (P. Col. 54. M.M. Austin, Doc. to south…” (P. Col. 54. M.M. Austin, Doc. 244)244)

Native Egyptians and Greco-Native Egyptians and Greco-MacedoniansMacedonians

Greco-Macedonian elite and native Egyptian Greco-Macedonian elite and native Egyptian subjects.subjects.

Most senior administrative and military Most senior administrative and military posts occupied by Greeks and Macedonians.posts occupied by Greeks and Macedonians.

Separate systems of law; evidence of ethnic Separate systems of law; evidence of ethnic tensions and prejudice.tensions and prejudice.

Ethnic prejudice mutual.Ethnic prejudice mutual.

Parallel Legal SystemsParallel Legal Systems ““They have given orders also concerning suits of They have given orders also concerning suits of

Egyptians against Greeks and concerning suits of Greeks Egyptians against Greeks and concerning suits of Greeks against Egyptians or of Egyptians against Greeks of all against Egyptians or of Egyptians against Greeks of all categories except those of persons farming royal land categories except those of persons farming royal land and of those bound to government tasks and of others and of those bound to government tasks and of others connected with the revenues, that those Egyptians that connected with the revenues, that those Egyptians that have made contracts in the Greek manner with Greeks have made contracts in the Greek manner with Greeks shall be sued and sue before the shall be sued and sue before the chrematistaichrematistai. All Greeks . All Greeks who make contracts in the Egyptian manner shall be who make contracts in the Egyptian manner shall be sued before the sued before the laokritailaokritai in accordance with the laws of in accordance with the laws of the country. The cases of Egyptians against Egyptians the country. The cases of Egyptians against Egyptians are not to be usurped by the are not to be usurped by the chrematistaichrematistai, but they are , but they are to allow them to be settled before the to allow them to be settled before the laokritailaokritai in in accordance with the laws of the country.” accordance with the laws of the country.” (P. Tebtunis 5. (P. Tebtunis 5. Col. IX. D.B. Nagle & S.M. Burstein, 2006)Col. IX. D.B. Nagle & S.M. Burstein, 2006)

Letter of Complaint to Zenon Letter of Complaint to Zenon from and Egyptian (ca. 256-from and Egyptian (ca. 256-

255 BCE)255 BCE) “…“…to Zenon greetings. You do well if you are keeping in good to Zenon greetings. You do well if you are keeping in good health. You know that you left me in Syria with Crotus and that I health. You know that you left me in Syria with Crotus and that I carried out all of the instructions with the camels and that I was carried out all of the instructions with the camels and that I was blameless towards you. And when you ordered to pay me my blameless towards you. And when you ordered to pay me my salary (Crotus) gave me nothing of what you had ordered. And salary (Crotus) gave me nothing of what you had ordered. And when I requested many times that Crotus should give me my when I requested many times that Crotus should give me my salary you had ordered but he gave me nothing at all and told me salary you had ordered but he gave me nothing at all and told me to go away, I held out for a long time waiting for you, but when I to go away, I held out for a long time waiting for you, but when I ran out of necessities and was unable to obtain these from any ran out of necessities and was unable to obtain these from any source, I was compelled to run away to Syrian to avoid dying of source, I was compelled to run away to Syrian to avoid dying of hunger. I have therefore written to you to inform you that Crotus hunger. I have therefore written to you to inform you that Crotus is responsible. And when you sent me again to Philadelphia to is responsible. And when you sent me again to Philadelphia to Jason, and I did everything I was told to, for nine months now he Jason, and I did everything I was told to, for nine months now he gives me nothing of what you ordered, neither oil nor grain, gives me nothing of what you ordered, neither oil nor grain, except every two months when he also pays (the allowance for) except every two months when he also pays (the allowance for) clothing. And I am in distress summer and winter. And he tells me clothing. And I am in distress summer and winter. And he tells me to accept ordinary wine for salary. But they have treated me with to accept ordinary wine for salary. But they have treated me with contempt because I am a Barbarian. I therefore request you, if you contempt because I am a Barbarian. I therefore request you, if you please, to order them to let me have what is owed to me and in please, to order them to let me have what is owed to me and in future to pay me regularly, so that I do not die of hunger because I future to pay me regularly, so that I do not die of hunger because I do not know how to speak Greek (hellenizein). You would do not know how to speak Greek (hellenizein). You would therefore do well to treat me with respect….”(P. Col. 66. M.M. therefore do well to treat me with respect….”(P. Col. 66. M.M. Austin, Doc. 245)Austin, Doc. 245)

The Complaint of Ptolemaeus to The Complaint of Ptolemaeus to the Strategos Dionysius (ca. 161 the Strategos Dionysius (ca. 161

BCE)BCE) ““To Dionysius, strategos, and one of the ‘friends’ (sc. Of To Dionysius, strategos, and one of the ‘friends’ (sc. Of

the king), from Ptolemy son of Glaucias, a Macedonian, the king), from Ptolemy son of Glaucias, a Macedonian, one of those ‘held in detention’ for twelve years in the one of those ‘held in detention’ for twelve years in the great Serapeum in Memphis. As I have suffered grave great Serapeum in Memphis. As I have suffered grave injustice / and my life has been frequently endangered injustice / and my life has been frequently endangered by the temple cleaners whose names are listed below, I by the temple cleaners whose names are listed below, I am taking refuge with you in the belief that in this way I am taking refuge with you in the belief that in this way I would best secure justice. For on Phaophi 8would best secure justice. For on Phaophi 8thth in the 21 in the 21stst year (=9 November 161) they came to the Astarteum, year (=9 November 161) they came to the Astarteum, which is in the sanctuary, and in which / I have been which is in the sanctuary, and in which / I have been living ‘in detention’ for the number of years mentioned living ‘in detention’ for the number of years mentioned above; some of them had stones in their hand and above; some of them had stones in their hand and others sticks, and they tried to force their way in, in others sticks, and they tried to force their way in, in order to seize the opportunity to plunder the temple and order to seize the opportunity to plunder the temple and to put me to death because I am a Greek, like men to put me to death because I am a Greek, like men laying a plot / against my life.” (UPZ 1.8. M.M. Austin, laying a plot / against my life.” (UPZ 1.8. M.M. Austin, Doc. 257)Doc. 257)

Growing InstabilityGrowing Instability General destabilization after the reign of Ptolemy IV.General destabilization after the reign of Ptolemy IV. Frequent dynastic conflict between successors.Frequent dynastic conflict between successors. Anachoresis increasingly common; 207-186 BCE – Upper Egypt breaks away Anachoresis increasingly common; 207-186 BCE – Upper Egypt breaks away

from Ptolemaic control; native Egyptian kingdom under Nubian princes.from Ptolemaic control; native Egyptian kingdom under Nubian princes. Possessions in the Aegean and Asia Minor lost to Seleucids in the reign of Possessions in the Aegean and Asia Minor lost to Seleucids in the reign of

Ptolemy V (204-180 BCE); Upper Egypt recovered.Ptolemy V (204-180 BCE); Upper Egypt recovered. Peace of Apamea (188 BCE) gave control of parts of Asia Minor and much Peace of Apamea (188 BCE) gave control of parts of Asia Minor and much

lucrative trade to Rhodes.lucrative trade to Rhodes. 170-169 BCE – Ptolemy VI attempts to recover Coile Syria; fails and prompts 170-169 BCE – Ptolemy VI attempts to recover Coile Syria; fails and prompts

invasion of Antiochus IV Epiphanes; saved by Roman intervention (168 BCE – invasion of Antiochus IV Epiphanes; saved by Roman intervention (168 BCE – Popillius Laenas).Popillius Laenas).

160s BCE – Co-rule divided between Ptolemy VI, Ptolemy VIII, and Cleopatra II; 160s BCE – Co-rule divided between Ptolemy VI, Ptolemy VIII, and Cleopatra II; fraught with tension and fraught with tension and stasis; stasis; native uprisings increasingly common.native uprisings increasingly common.

124 BCE – Joint rule restored; continues down to 116 BCE (Conflict between 124 BCE – Joint rule restored; continues down to 116 BCE (Conflict between Cleopatra III and Ptolemy IX).Cleopatra III and Ptolemy IX).

107 BCE – Ptolemy IX ousted by Ptolemy X (son of Cleopatra III); Ptolemy IX 107 BCE – Ptolemy IX ousted by Ptolemy X (son of Cleopatra III); Ptolemy IX seizes Cyprus for himself; Cyrene taken by Ptolemy Apion (illegitimate son of seizes Cyprus for himself; Cyrene taken by Ptolemy Apion (illegitimate son of Ptolemy VIII); Deprived Egypt of important trade revenues.Ptolemy VIII); Deprived Egypt of important trade revenues.

96 BCE Ptolemy Apion dies and leaves Cyrene to Rome.96 BCE Ptolemy Apion dies and leaves Cyrene to Rome. 88 BCE – Ptolemy X Alexander I dies and leaves Egypt and Cyprus to Rome.88 BCE – Ptolemy X Alexander I dies and leaves Egypt and Cyprus to Rome. Protection strategy against dynastic insurrection and murder.Protection strategy against dynastic insurrection and murder.

Egypt and RomeEgypt and Rome Down to ca. 75 BCE - Rome seeks to play Ptolemies off against Seleucids.Down to ca. 75 BCE - Rome seeks to play Ptolemies off against Seleucids. Cyrene, Cyprus and Egypt left to Rome; Rome does not take up the bequests Cyrene, Cyprus and Egypt left to Rome; Rome does not take up the bequests

right away (i.e. Cyrene, ca. 75-4 BCE; Cyprus, ca. 58-56 BCE).right away (i.e. Cyrene, ca. 75-4 BCE; Cyprus, ca. 58-56 BCE). Direct Roman involvement begins ca. 87-86 BCE with the visit of Lucius Lucullus.Direct Roman involvement begins ca. 87-86 BCE with the visit of Lucius Lucullus. Ca. 81-80 BCE – Romans intervene in dynastic struggle (Ptolemy IX vs. Cleopatra Ca. 81-80 BCE – Romans intervene in dynastic struggle (Ptolemy IX vs. Cleopatra

Berenice); place Ptolemy XI Alexander II on throne (killed a few months later).Berenice); place Ptolemy XI Alexander II on throne (killed a few months later). Ptolemy XII Auletes drew Egypt closer to Rome; 64/3 BCE – sent money and Ptolemy XII Auletes drew Egypt closer to Rome; 64/3 BCE – sent money and

supplies to Pompey the Great.supplies to Pompey the Great. 59 BCE – Ptolemy XII recognized as a friend and ally of Rome.59 BCE – Ptolemy XII recognized as a friend and ally of Rome. 58 BCE – Rome exercises claim to Cyprus resulting in anti-Roman (anti-Ptolemy 58 BCE – Rome exercises claim to Cyprus resulting in anti-Roman (anti-Ptolemy

XII) backlash; Ptolemy XII driven from power; regained in 55 BCE with Roman XII) backlash; Ptolemy XII driven from power; regained in 55 BCE with Roman support; Roman troops now stationed in Egypt.support; Roman troops now stationed in Egypt.

51 BCE – Ptolemy XII succeeded by Ptolemy XIII (10 years old) and his sister/wife 51 BCE – Ptolemy XII succeeded by Ptolemy XIII (10 years old) and his sister/wife Cleopatra VII (17 years old); further nationalists uprisings suppressed with help Cleopatra VII (17 years old); further nationalists uprisings suppressed with help of Julius Caesar (ca. 48 BCE).of Julius Caesar (ca. 48 BCE).

47 BCE – Ptolemy XIII killed; Cleopatra VII marries second brother Ptolemy XIV; 47 BCE – Ptolemy XIII killed; Cleopatra VII marries second brother Ptolemy XIV; has him killed shortly thereafter (44 BCE).has him killed shortly thereafter (44 BCE).

39-31 BCE – Cleopatra VII supports Roman operations in Armenia; Antony and 39-31 BCE – Cleopatra VII supports Roman operations in Armenia; Antony and Cleopatra; Roman civil war.Cleopatra; Roman civil war.

30 BCE – Antony and Cleopatra defeated by Augustus; Egypt annexed as a 30 BCE – Antony and Cleopatra defeated by Augustus; Egypt annexed as a Roman province.Roman province.