Meaning of PTOLOMEOS

Name of the dynasty that reigned in Egypt, from 305 to 31 BC. Founded by Ptolemy Soter, one of Alexander the Great's generals, it lasted until the death of Cleopatra, which took place after Augustus' victory at the Battle of Actium.

The early Ptolemies were prudent and capable princes, giving Egypt a high degree of power and influence. They owned numerous territories, including Phenicia, Coelosyria, Cyprus, Cyrenaica and, for a time, Palestine.

They protected the arts, letters and sciences. Alexandria became its capital, and a center that radiated culture. They showed good disposition towards the Jews, who enjoyed special privileges under them and received good positions in the civil administration and in the militia.

Later members of the dynasty were, however, incapable and corrupt. They allowed themselves to be dragged into internal and international wars.

On the other hand, his private life was stained with incest and murders in the same palace. They were losing all their extraterritorial possessions, which marked the beginning of the end of the country's independence.

The translation of the OT into Gr. It was undertaken under the reign of Ptolemy Philadelphus (284-247 BC) in Egypt (see BIBLE VERSIONS).

In Dn. 11:17 is believed to be an allusion to the marriage of Ptolemy V (reigned from 204 to 182) with Cleopatra, daughter of Antiochus the Great, of the Seleucid dynasty.

In Dn. 11:25-30 is believed to be more particularly Ptolemy VI and his brother Ptolemy VII (or VIII) Evergetes, who reigned together from 170 BC.

Although there may certainly be a germinal fulfillment of the prophecy here, it is evident that Daniel looks beyond, to the end of time (see DANIEL (BOOK OF) and PROPHECY).

There are mentions of various rulers of the Ptolemies in the apocryphal books of the Maccabees.