---
title: Ptolemy I
author: Donald L. Wasson
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_I/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 2022-08-31
---

# Ptolemy I

_Authored by [Donald L. Wasson](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/DWasson/)_

[Ptolemy](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Ptolemy/) I Soter (366-282 BCE) was one of the successor kings to the [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) of [Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_the_Great/). He served not only as king of [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/) but also the founder of the [Ptolemaic Dynasty](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemaic_Dynasty/), a dynasty which included the infamous [Cleopatra VII](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_VII/).

### Early Life & Persian Campaign

Ptolemy was a Macedonian nobleman, son of Lagos. Rumors circulated, however, that he was actually the illegitimate son of [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/)'s father Phillip II, a possibility that would have made him Alexander's half-brother. Although older than Alexander and many of the other generals who followed Alexander into [Persia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Persia/), he still became a close friend, advisor and later one of his seven personal bodyguards. Following Phillips II's [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) at the hands of [Pausanias](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Pausanias/), Alexander embarked on his quest to meet, defeat and [conquer](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) [Darius](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/darius/) III and the [Persian Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Persian_Empire/). Although historians are in disagreement concerning Ptolemy's role in the Persian campaign, they do agree that he did participate in a number of battles. This disagreement stems from the fact that Ptolemy was also a historian of sorts and his biography of Alexander may have exaggerated his own contributions.

Ptolemy's name first appears during Alexander's defeat of Memnon, the [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) mercenary general in the service of Persia, at [Halicarnassus](https://www.worldhistory.org/halicarnassus/). Supposedly, Alexander left Ptolemy with a force of 3000 men to finish subjugating the [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) while he moved on to [Gordium](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gordium/). Ptolemy next appears at the battles of [Issus](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Issus/) and [Gaugamela](https://www.worldhistory.org/Battle_of_Gaugamela/). At Issus he served in the left flank under the command of Parmenio. Next, when the Persian king Darius III was found dying after his defeat at Gaugamela and his assassin Bessus had been identified, it was Ptolemy who was sent to collect the assassin. He brought him to Alexander naked, in chains, and wearing a dog collar.

In [Persepolis](https://www.worldhistory.org/persepolis/), Ptolemy was linked to the burning of the city. At one of Alexander's celebrations, Ptolemy's mistress Thais suggested the [palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) should be burned. In his *World History* Diodorus made mention of this incident:

> When the Companions were feasting, and intoxication was growing \[...\] a violent madness took hold of these drunken men. One of the [women](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/women/) (Thasis) declared that it would be Alexander's greatest achievement in Asia to join in their procession and set fire to the royal palace. \[...\] Others joined in the cry and said that only Alexander was worthy of this deed \[... and\] a quantity of torches was quickly collected. \[...\] The king led them to the revel, with Thais the courtesan conducting the ceremony. She was the first after the king to throw her blazing torch into the palace.

### Egypt & [India](https://www.worldhistory.org/india/)

Although his role is unclear, most historical accounts are in agreement that Ptolemy was with Alexander in both Egypt and India. He was in Egypt in 332 BC at Siwa and [Memphis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Memphis_(Ancient_Egypt)/), but the *History of Alexander* has him playing a vital role in a number of conflicts in India while others have him as only a minor if not insignificant participant. One story which may or may not be true has Ptolemy's life being saved during the campaign into India. After Ptolemy was struck by a poisoned arrow, it was Alexander who saved his life by using various native herbs to extract the poison. It was during this time, after a failed conspiracy to kill Alexander was discovered, that Ptolemy was named one of the king's personal bodyguards.

[ ![Map of the Hellenistic Kingdoms after Alexander, c.301 BCE](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/750x750/14355.png?v=1773836898-1758349597) Map of the Hellenistic Kingdoms after Alexander, c.301 BCE Simeon Netchev (CC BY-NC-ND) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14355/map-of-the-hellenistic-kingdoms-after-alexander-c3/ "Map of the Hellenistic Kingdoms after Alexander, c.301 BCE")### [Wars of the Diadochi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Wars_of_the_Diadochi/)

When Alexander died in 323 BC, the fate of the empire was left in the hands of [Perdiccas](https://www.worldhistory.org/Perdiccas/), the cavalry leader, who had been handed Alexander's signet ring on the king's deathbed, a possible transference of power. Wanting to keep the empire intact, Perdiccas suggested everyone wait with naming a successor until after the birth of Alexander and [Roxanne](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roxanne/)'s child (the future Alexander IV). Ptolemy was completely against this idea and led a campaign to divide the empire among the leading generals. He got his wish and received in the division his first choice – Egypt. The alliances that would be formed among these new satraps were tenuous and both [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) and peace would reign for 30 years. These battles became known as the *Diadochi* or Successor Wars.

The one common thread among these “kings” was that no one liked Perdiccas, and Perdiccas disliked Ptolemy above all. It was obvious that these two men would never agree, and this was even more evident when Ptolemy stole Alexander's remains: Perdiccas sent Alexander's body to a newly constructed [tomb](https://www.worldhistory.org/tomb/) in Macedonia, but Ptolemy hijacked the body when it arrived in Damascus. Diodorus's history recorded this theft:

> Ptolemy, moreover, doing honour to Alexander, went to meet it with an army as far as [Syria](https://www.worldhistory.org/syria/) and, receiving the body, deemed it worthy of the greatest consideration. He decided for the present not to send it to [Ammon](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Ammon/), but to entomb it in the city that had been founded by Alexander himself… There he prepared a precinct worthy of the glory of Alexander in size and construction.

Perdiccas resented this theft and immediately took action, attacking Egypt. This attack, however, would be his downfall; he led his troops on three separate missions into Egypt, failing each time to cross the [Nile](https://www.worldhistory.org/nile/). With this failure and a loss of 2000 soldiers, his men revolted and executed him.

Unlike the other generals, Ptolemy's major concern and ambition did not go far beyond the borders of Egypt. While he became involved in the infighting among the others and eventually acquired lands in the eastern [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/), his major concern was Egypt. When [Antigonus I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Antigonus_I/) invaded [Babylon](https://www.worldhistory.org/babylon/), [Seleucus I Nicator](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/) sought asylum in Egypt with Ptolemy, but after Ptolemy's defeat of [Antigonus](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Antigonus/)' son [Demetrius I of Macedon](https://www.worldhistory.org/Demetrius_I_of_Macedon/) at Gaza, Seleucus was able to return to Babylon. Following a brief peace, Ptolemy was involved in a series of conflicts with both Antigonus and Demetrius, finally aiding in their defeat and Antigonus' death at Ipsus in 301 BC. By then Ptolemy had assumed the title of king as well as being named *Soter* meaning “savior” for his defense of [Rhodes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rhodes/) against Demetrius.

### Ptolemaic Dynasty

During Ptolemy's rule of Egypt, he put the country on a sound economic and administrative footing. Since he did not want to fall under the influence of the priests and officials at Memphis, Ptolemy's first decision was to move the country's capital to [Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/alexandria/). Since it was on the Mediterranean Sea, it was strategically better, providing easier access to both the sea and his homeland of [Greece](https://www.worldhistory.org/greece/). Because of this move, Alexandria became more of a Greek rather than [Egyptian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Egyptian/) city. Greek became the language of both government and commerce. Amazingly, the only member of the Ptolemaic Dynasty to ever learn Egyptian was [Cleopatra](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/cleopatra/) VII.

[ ![Ptolemy I](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/4341.jpg?v=1761648014) Ptolemy I Mark Cartwright (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4341/ptolemy-i/ "Ptolemy I")While he gave respect to the Egyptian priests and even rebuilt temples destroyed by the Persians, he believed he needed another way to connect with the Egyptian people. One of his first actions was to establish a cult of Alexander; of course, by doing this, he established himself as a legitimate heir. Alexander became a “state [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/)” and his “priest” the highest clerical position in Egypt. Next, he created a new [religion](https://www.worldhistory.org/religion/) with a new god [Serapis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Serapis/), the god of healing. This new religion was a combination of both Greek and Egyptian influences, although the Egyptians saw it as more Greek than Egyptian. It never achieved much success, and government funding was eventually withdrawn.

Ptolemy made Alexandria the intellectual center of the Mediterranean when he built a massive library and museum there. The museum contained a covered arcade, seating for quiet contemplation as well as a dining hall. The library contained thousands of papyrus scrolls and attracted men of [literature](https://www.worldhistory.org/literature/) and [science](https://www.worldhistory.org/science/) from all over the Mediterranean area for years to come, [Euclid](https://www.worldhistory.org/Euclid/) and [Archimedes](https://www.worldhistory.org/Archimedes/) being two of the more notable. It became the center of [Hellenistic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/) [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/). Ptolemy began the construction of the Pharos, a lighthouse (to be completed by his son [Ptolemy II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_II_Philadelphus/)). The [Lighthouse of Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/Lighthouse_of_Alexandria/) was a massive structure of three stories with a statue of [Zeus](https://www.worldhistory.org/zeus/) atop. A beacon was visible for miles and was lit day and night. It became one of [the Seven Wonders](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Seven_Wonders/) of the ancient world. After Ptolemy died in 282 BC, his descendants would rule Egypt for almost 300 years until it was conquered by [Julius Caesar](https://www.worldhistory.org/Julius_Caesar/) and the Romans. After his death, Ptolemy was deified and a festival was held in his honor for years to come.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## Bibliography

- [Cotterell, A. *The Pimlico Dictionary Of Classical Civilizations.* Vintage Digital, 2011.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B0055CS2VC/)
- Diodorus. *World History.*
- Doherty, P. *The Death of Alexander.* Carroll - Graf Publishers, 2004
- Green, P. *The Hellenistic Age.* The Modern Libray, 2007
- Lane Fox, R. *Alexander the Great: A Biography.* Dial Press, 1974
- Pollard, J and Howard Reid. *The Rise and Fall of Alexandria.* Viking, 2006
- Tsouras, P.G. *Alexander: The Invincible King of Macedonia.* Brassey's Inc., 2004
- Wilkinson, T. *The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt.* Random House, 2010

## About the Author

Donald has taught Ancient, Medieval and U.S. History at Lincoln College (Normal, Illinois)and has always been and will always be a student of history, ever since learning about Alexander the Great. He is eager to pass knowledge on to his students.

## Timeline

- **c. 366 BCE - 282 BCE**: Life of [Ptolemy I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_I/) Soter.
- **323 BCE - 282 BCE**: Rule of [Ptolemy I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_I/) Soter.
- **322 BCE - 275 BCE**: The [Wars of the Diadochi](https://www.worldhistory.org/Wars_of_the_Diadochi/), also known as the Wars of [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/)'s Successors.
- **312 BCE**: [Demetrius I of Macedon](https://www.worldhistory.org/Demetrius_I_of_Macedon/) loses the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of [Giza](https://www.worldhistory.org/giza/) against [Ptolemy I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_I/) and [Seleucus I Nicator](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucos_I/).
- **306 BCE**: [Demetrius I of Macedon](https://www.worldhistory.org/Demetrius_I_of_Macedon/) defeats [Ptolemy](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Ptolemy/)'s fleet at [Salamis](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Salamis/), off the coast of [Cyprus](https://www.worldhistory.org/cyprus/).
- **305 BCE - 30 BCE**: The [Ptolemaic Dynasty](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemaic_Dynasty/) in [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/).
- **300 BCE**: [Ptolemy I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_I/) founds the Museum of [Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/alexandria/).

## Cite This Work

### APA
Wasson, D. L. (2012, February 03). Ptolemy I. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy\_I/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_I/)
### Chicago
Wasson, Donald L.. "Ptolemy I." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 03, 2012. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy\_I/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_I/).
### MLA
Wasson, Donald L.. "Ptolemy I." *World History Encyclopedia*, 03 Feb 2012, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy\_I/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_I/).

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Donald L. Wasson](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/DWasson/ "User Page: Donald L. Wasson"), published on 03 February 2012. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.