--- title: Family Tree of the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt (305-30 BCE) author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15205/family-tree-of-the-ptolemaic-dynasty-of-egypt-305/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2026-02-26 --- # Family Tree of the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt (305-30 BCE) _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Family Tree of the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt (305-30 BCE)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15205.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/15205.png) ## Image Caption The [Ptolemaic Dynasty](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemaic_Dynasty/) (305–30 BCE) ruled [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/) during the [Hellenistic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hellenic_World/) age, emerging from the fragmentation of [Alexander the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Alexander_the_Great/)’s [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) after his [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) in 323 BCE. Founded by [Ptolemy I](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_I/) Soter (reign 305–282 BCE), one of [Alexander](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Alexander/)’s generals, the dynasty established a Macedonian [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) monarchy that fused Hellenistic political [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/) with longstanding [Egyptian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Egyptian/) religious and administrative traditions. From its capital at [Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/alexandria/), the Ptolemaic state became a major [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/) power, projecting influence through naval strength, diplomacy, and dynastic marriage while maintaining Egypt’s immense agricultural wealth and strategic position. Unlike many contemporary monarchies, the Ptolemaic house institutionalized the prominent political role of royal [women](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/women/). Queens such as Arsinoë II (co-ruler 276–270 BCE) and later [Cleopatra VII](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleopatra_VII/) (reign 51–30 BCE) exercised real authority as co-regents or sole rulers, shaping succession, foreign alliances, and ideological representation. Dynastic marriages linked the Lagids (named after Lagos, father of [Ptolemy](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Ptolemy/) I) with ruling houses in [Syria](https://www.worldhistory.org/syria/), [Cyrene](https://www.worldhistory.org/cyrene/), [Cyprus](https://www.worldhistory.org/cyprus/), and even [Mauretania](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mauretania/), embedding Egypt in the wider Hellenistic diplomatic system. The dynasty ended with [Cleopatra](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/cleopatra/) VII’s defeat alongside [Mark Antony](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mark_Antony/) in 30 BCE, after which Egypt became a [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) province under [Octavian](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/) ([Augustus](https://www.worldhistory.org/augustus/), reign 27 BCE–14 CE), marking the close of pharaonic rule and the final chapter of independent Hellenistic Egypt. #### 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. (2022, February 18). Family Tree of the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt (305-30 BCE). *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Family Tree of the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt (305-30 BCE)." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 18, 2022. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Family Tree of the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt (305-30 BCE)." *World History Encyclopedia*, 18 Feb 2022, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 18 February 2022. 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.