--- title: Map of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt c. 240 BCE: Power, Wealth, and Rivalry in the Hellenistic World author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15183/map-of-the-ptolemaic-kingdom-of-egypt-c-240-bce/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2026-04-26 --- # Map of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt c. 240 BCE: Power, Wealth, and Rivalry in the Hellenistic World _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt c. 240 BCE: Power, Wealth, and Rivalry in the Hellenistic World](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15183.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15183.png) ## Image Caption By c. 240 BCE, [Ptolemaic Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemaic_Egypt/) stood as one of the most powerful and stable successor states of [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/)’s [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/), reaching a high point under [Ptolemy](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Ptolemy/) III Euergetes (reign 246-222 BCE). Emerging from the fragmentation that followed the [death of Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2366/death-of-alexander-the-great/) (died 323 BCE), the kingdom combined the administrative traditions of pharaonic [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/) with [Hellenistic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/) political and cultural frameworks. Governed from [Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/alexandria/), a major center of learning and commerce, the state benefited from agricultural wealth, control of key [trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/) routes, and an effective bureaucratic system. Its strength allowed it to project influence across the eastern [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/), particularly in the [Aegean](https://www.worldhistory.org/aegean/) and [Near East](https://www.worldhistory.org/Near_East/), where it competed for strategic territories. The wider geopolitical environment remained shaped by the rivalries among the Hellenistic dynasties that emerged from Alexander’s generals (*the Diadochi*). By the mid-3rd century BCE, three principal powers dominated: the Antigonid kingdom in Macedonia, the [Seleucid Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Seleucid_Empire/) in Asia, and Ptolemaic Egypt. Their interactions, marked by shifting alliances and recurring conflicts, defined the political balance of the [Hellenistic world](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenistic_Period/). Although Ptolemaic Egypt would gradually lose territory in later centuries, it remained a major regional power until its incorporation into the [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) sphere, culminating in annexation after the [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of [Cleopatra VII](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_VII/) Philopator (reign 51-30 BCE). #### Editorial Review This human-authored image 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/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2026, April 26). Map of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt c. 240 BCE: Power, Wealth, and Rivalry in the Hellenistic World. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt c. 240 BCE: Power, Wealth, and Rivalry in the Hellenistic World." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 26, 2026. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt c. 240 BCE: Power, Wealth, and Rivalry in the Hellenistic World." *World History Encyclopedia*, 26 Apr 2026, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 26 April 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. 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.