The Ptolemies: Apogee and Collapse: Ptolemiac Egypt 246–146 BC

by John D. Grainger

The second volume of this ground-breaking trilogy covers the reigns of Ptolemy II, III, IV, V and VI, who between them reigned for a century. Ptolemy III's rule brought the acquisition of Cyrenaica (through marriage) and territorial gains in Syria, the Aegean, Asia Minor and Thrace due to unexpected military successes in the Third Syrian War. These victories over the Seleukids, marked the apogee of Ptolemaic power. However, the rest of his reign was accompanied by internal trouble in Egypt.

On Ptolemy III's death, his minister Sosibius organized the accession of Ptolemy IV, had the new king’s mother and siblings murdered and continued as effective ruler for the whole reign. He also dominated that of Ptolemy V. There was a surprising success in the Fourth Syrian War but this was followed by a major rebellion and defeat in the Fifth Syrian War, with the loss of Syria/Palestine and Ptolemaic holdings in Asia Minor.

The murder of Ptolemy V in 180 was followed by the long and troubled reign of Ptolemy VI, one of the ablest of the Ptolemies, but hampered by continued trouble in Egypt and in the court. A disastrous war against the Seleukid Antiochos IV set back the Ptolemaic recovery. Ptolemy did eventually manage a complete victory, only to die of wounds received in battle. John Grainger clearly recounts and analyzes this dramatic period of war, politics, murder and court intrigue.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2023

Reviews

[Xavier Ruiz Trullols · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book John D. Grainger expertly navigates the complex history of the Ptolemaic dynasty, focusing on the reigns of Ptolemy II through VI. This second volume of the trilogy is another example of Grainger's meticulous research and ability to clarify intricate historical events filled with numerous characters and battles. As the fifth book I've read by this author, I always find pleasure in his writing, as he has a unique talent for making the past super accessible and engaging.

However, I must admit that this time I experienced some fatigue due to the sheer volume of names and the rapid succession of events covered in this particular period. While this fatigue isn't a reflection of Grainger's writing, it does highlight the challenges of tackling such a tumultuous era in history. Despite this, his skillful explanations and insights into the Ptolemaic era make the reading experience rewarding and enlightening, leaving me eager for the next and final book of the trilogy.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far the book has a lot of repetition. The author seems to be unable to compose a flowing narrative. In Dutch we call it "van de hak op de tak".

Just read a chapter about Antiochus of Syria, while the Ptolemy brothers were a minor entity in that chapter.