---
title: Ptolemy II & Arsinoe II
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5359/ptolemy-ii--arsinoe-ii/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Ptolemy II & Arsinoe II

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Ptolemy II & Arsinoe II](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5359.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5359.jpg)

## Image Caption

The stela, from a chapel in the royal couple's honors, shows [Ptolemy II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemy_II_Philadelphus/) and [Arsinoe II](https://www.worldhistory.org/Arsinoe_II_Philadelphus/) in a deified form. Their staffs are attribnbutes of [Egyptian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Egyptian/) gods, as is the emblem of life ([ankh](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ankh/)) held by the queen. Yet, unusually, the King wields a lightening bolt; a non-Egyptian motif that identifies him with [Zeus](https://www.worldhistory.org/zeus/), the [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) supreme [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) of Sky and thunder. This reveals the Greek origins of the [Ptolemy](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Ptolemy/) ruling dynasty. The Greek equated Zeus with [Amun](https://www.worldhistory.org/amun/), "king of the gods", outside whose [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) in Tanis this stela was displayed. [Ptolemaic Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemaic_Dynasty/), reign of Ptolemy II, circa 285-246 BCE. From San el-Hagar (Tanis), temple of Ptolemy II, and Arsinoe II, [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/). (The British Museum, London).

#### 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

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, July 26). Ptolemy II & Arsinoe II. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5359/ptolemy-ii--arsinoe-ii/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Ptolemy II & Arsinoe II." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 26, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5359/ptolemy-ii--arsinoe-ii/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Ptolemy II & Arsinoe II." *World History Encyclopedia*, 26 Jul 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5359/ptolemy-ii--arsinoe-ii/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 26 July 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.