The Last Dynasty: Ancient Egypt from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra

by Toby Wilkinson

A definitive and thrilling new account of the last great dynasty of ancient Egypt, from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra.

When Alexander the Great arrived in Egypt, he overthrew the hated Persian overlords and was welcomed as a saviour. He repaid them by showing due reverence to their long-held traditions. After his death, as the Greek empire broke up and his closest advisers squabbled over the spoils, a Macedonian general named Ptolemy seized the Egyptian throne, ushering in a new dynasty that would last for 300 years.

What followed was as dramatic and compelling as any period in Egyptian history. The unique blend of Greek and Egyptian cultures led to an unprecedented flowering of learning, as the new city of Alexandria became home to the Great Library, the largest in the ancient world, that attracted the brightest minds. Wars, incest, double-dealing, foreign empires and huge wealth all followed, but the rise of the Roman empire would eventually bring the Ptolemaic era crashing to a close.

Helped by the latest archaeological discoveries and using original papyrus documents, Toby Wilkinson uncovers a story that can only now be fully told. From courtly life to the role of women, from international trade to the tensions between native Egyptians and incoming Greeks, all aspects of life are here. Filled with surprising insights, vivid descriptions and larger-than-life characters, and written in the author's compelling narrative style, The Last Dynasty will appeal to all lovers of history, archaeology, art and culture.


'A truly splendid read, richly detailed and powered by an unfailing gift for storytelling' John Guy
'Superb and gripping' Simon Sebag Montefiore

Toby Wilkinson is an Egyptologist and the prizewinning author of fifteen books on the history and culture of the Nile Valley, ancient and modern. Lauded by the Daily Telegraph as ‘the foremost Egyptologist of his time’, his works include The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt, which won the Hessell-Tiltman Prize. He studied Egyptology at the University of Cambridge and is currently a Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Egypt, Ancient History, Audiobook, Greece, World History

384 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2022

About the author

Dr Toby Wilkinson joined the International Strategy Office in July 2011, working with the Pro Vice Chancellor (Jennifer Barnes) to support the schools, faculties and departments in their international engagements, and to develop the University's international strategy, particularly with regard to research collaborations and relationships with the EU, US, India and China. Prior to this, Dr Wilkinson was the Development Director at Clare College as well as Chairman of Cambridge Colleges Development Group.

As an acknowledged expert on ancient Egyptian civilisation and one of the leading Egyptologists of his generation, Toby Wilkinson has lectured around the world. He has excavated at the Egyptian sites of Buto and Memphis. He is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Egyptian History and has broadcast on radio and television in the UK and abroad, including BBC’s Horizon and Channel 4’s Private Lives of the Pharaohs, and was the consultant for the BBC’s award-winning documentary on the building of the Great Pyramid.

Upon graduating from the University of Cambridge he received the University’s Thomas Mulvey Prize and was elected to the prestigious Lady Wallis Budge Junior Research Fellowship in Egyptology. He is a Fellow of Clare College, University of Cambridge and an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Durham.

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

getting married yesterday did not stop me from finishing a book on the ptolemies (my husband is next to me reading a history of portugal)

[Dax · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew well the story of Ptolemy, a general under Alexander the Great and founder of the new Hellenistic empire of Alexandria. And everyone is familiar with Cleopatra and her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, but I had a significant knowledge gap of the history of Alexandria between those two rulers.

Wilkinson is always reliable for strong research and well-constructed narratives, and his latest book is no different. He is probably the most recognizable Egyptologist working today, and his works are accessible for the well-versed and the layman alike. This was exactly what I needed to fill that gap on the history of Alexandria. Well-paced and an enjoyable reading experience. Solid four stars.

[Ezra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Dynasty is a fascinating look at the Ptolemaic Era (from 305 BC to 30 BC) which is the name of the Greek dynasty that ruled Egypt from 305 BC to 30 BC. Some of the most famous developments and people of the ancient world came from the Ptolemaic Era. The Greek rulers built the famous library and lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt. Our main math man, Euclid, was an Egyptian Greek as well as Cleopatra VII who was the last Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt.

Learning about how the majority, native Egyptians and minority Greek ruling class adapted to, negotiated with, and fought each other was one of the most interesting parts of the Last Dynasty. It mirrors the situation of every colonial system (both past and present) where a small, foreign elite rules over a large native population.

The use of primary sources in this book is excellent and adds the personal touch that makes all the difference in engaging the reader. We learn about numerous individuals (both Greek and Egyptian) through their own writings. And since the author explains what sources he is using, we get a glimpse into how our knowledge of history is actually constructed from government and personal documents as well as from archaeological finds.

Thanks to HighBridge Audio through NetGalley who allowed me to listen to the book. The narrator, Julian Elfer, did an excellent job, and the overall sound and production was good.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Dynasty is a fascinating read recounting and documenting in depth a period of history that saw the end of Ptolemaic era.

Toby Wilkinson's research is incredible and the detail he provides to highlight the period of Ptolemaic power from the conquests of Alexander the Great through to Octavian's battles and the demise of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra VII is beguiling.

The family power struggles, greed, incest the impact on society, economies and daily lives is related in meticulous detail with reference to historical artefacts and archaeological discoveries.

This is 'real' history and yet it feels fantastical in relation to modern politics - however the desire by men to control and manipulate is still prevalent to this day - the Ptolemaic dynasty went to extraordinary lengths to outwit each other and gain control.

The Last Dynasty is a great read- it pulls you in to the web of this astounding family; wonderful descriptions of the period, lifestyles, rituals , pageants and religious customs and the numerous battles and invasions.

Empires and Dynastic families come and go but time certainly recognises this was one of the most incredibly intriguing families who have made an eternal mark on history

As someone who enjoys reading Michael Scott, Mary Beard and Bethany Hughes, Toby Wilkinson deserves to be joining this illustrious group - a brilliant and accessible read

( You'll need to keep your wits about you with the number of Ptolemys and Cleopatras)

[Keely · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fascinating, I learnt a lot. I found it interesting that there was two separate tiers in Egypt, with the Egyptians on the bottom, the greeks above. And how even though the greeks had been Egypt for decades and some even born in Egypt referred to themselves as "Greek born in Egypt." They did not see themselves as Egyptians nor got involved with their customs or belief. I mean the fact that the Egyptians and Greeks had two different justice systems showed that they were very seperate and saw each other as "the other". The greeks had lived there for centuries, yet still retained their culture and looked down at the native Egyptians. The most famous Cleopatra is one of the few Ptolemy royals who actually got involved with native customs and respected them, along with using them as propaganda. I think she is one of the only ones that is confirmed to actually speak Egyptian, the language of the native people. That too, shows how there was two tiers in Egypt when the Ptolemies ruled. I think when people try to decide what Cleopatra looked like, ignore or make it more minor, the fact that Egypt was a two tiered country with the Egyptians sadly on the bottom, with the Greeks and their customs on top, for the past 300ish years

It's well written and very well researched. The author really knows their stuff and their passion for the subject shines through.

[Gareth Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of "The Last Dynasty," which was very well read by Chris Courtenay.

This has been one of my favourite reads of 2025. Or listens, whichever you prefer. I had always had a vague idea of Ptolemaic Egypt as a long, sad ending to ancient Egyptian civilisation - an epilogue, even before it was over. "The Last Dynasty" was a fascinating celebration of what was impressive in Ptolemaic Egypt and what was horrible. The dynasty seemed to manage both in equal measure.

The monarchy's cultural and technological achievements were staggering, as is the wealth they accumulated and generated, particularly under the first three pharaohs Ptolemy. Equally well told are the ways in which the royal family's dysfunction helped sew the seeds of their own demise through a series of events, some of which were not their fault (the childhood accession of Ptolemy V) and others that very much were (the cornucopia of bloody backstabbing between Cleopatra II, Ptolemy VIII, and Cleopatra III.)

Wilkinson manages well with the fact that every king in the family had the same name and the queens had a multiple choice option between Cleopatra, Arsinoë, and Berenice.

The structure of the book was excellent, with one chapter focussing on an episode in the royal household, followed by one that explored a different aspect of everyday life in Ptolemaic Egypt.

The dynasty's most famous member, Cleopatra VII, somehow emerges here as even more impressive than when she's viewed in splendid isolation.

[History Today]

Like many Egyptologists, the Ptolemies make me rather uncomfortable. It is a cliché to say that the Ptolemaic period (323-30 BC) has been thought of as too Egyptian for most classicists and too Greek for many Egyptologists. Much has been written about the period from both perspectives, but a good quality synthesis has proven elusive.

Many studies have, understandably, focused on the glamorous final star of the Ptolemaic stage, Queen Cleopatra VII (50-30 BC). But given the comparative dominance of Egypt, Greece and Rome in studies of the ancient world, it is surprising that the whole Ptolemaic period has not been subject to more popular interest. Like the proverbial bus, you wait ages for one and two show up at once.

Toby Wilkinson trained as an Egyptologist and is known for his popular treatments of a range of Pharaonic subjects. Here he turns his attention to the last dynasty, proving especially adept at connecting the Ptolemies with Egypt’s ancient traditions. While a more recent convert to Egyptological pursuits, Romanist Guy de la Bédoyère covers the same timespan with similar aplomb. He frames his narrative with the gradual appearance of Rome on the horizon.

Both make extensive use of official texts – often the same ones – but compare and contrast them with a wide range of contemporary documentary accounts (which have survived in profusion) and the words of (usually later and biased) classical authors. This synthesis of sources builds a dynamic picture of the period, something often missing for much of the rest of the ancient world and Egypt in particular.

Although most people know about the ignominious end of the Ptolemies, the ambition of the dynasty’s establishment is breathtaking. Ptolemy I (367-283 BC) emerges in both books as an extremely compelling character, even compared to his childhood friend and predecessor Alexander of Macedon. Having had the audacity to essentially kidnap Alexander’s body in Syria while still only satrap (‘governor’) of Egypt, Ptolemy was responsible for developing Alexandria into the magnificent hub it became, while also maintaining military sense and pursuing an impressive amount of learning. It is probably not too much of a spoiler to say that his successors were not nearly so adept at the business of government.

Read the rest of the review at https://www.historytoday.com/archive/...

Campbell Price is Curator of Egypt and Sudan at Manchester Museum and Chair of the Egypt Exploration Society.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

So often the classical world is seen through a Greek or Roman lense. Learning about Ptolemaic Egypt filled in so many holes for me.

[Maan Kawas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I really loved it!

[Conor Hilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history of the last part of the Egyptian empire
Not much creativity in names though

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start by thanking NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Company for a review copy of this work in exchange for review.

This book was not what I was expecting. I was expecting a little more focus on the members of the dynasty and their contributions to Egypt during the 300 years of their rule. However, Wilkinson provides a comprehensive and detailed sociocultural history of the Ptolemaic period, bringing to the forefront of history the lives of everyday indigenous Egyptians and Greek immigrant communities, rather than focusing solely on the Ptolemaic Pharos. By shifting focus away from the court, Wilkinson has created an interesting and detailed work focused on the uncertainty, cultural tensions, and religious practices occurring during the period.

The greatest moments of the book are the actual quotations of the surviving evidence of everyday individuals. From the man seeking refuge in a religious temple, to the funeral markings of the wife of the High Priest of Phat. Even after thousands of years the very human nature of these works helps to highlight the past is both distant and close.

I also enjoyed the discussion of Cleopatra VII's role in the practices of Indigenous Egyptian religious cults. I learned quite a bit about her approach to the traditional role of Pharo in religious practices and her links to the cult of Isis.

I will say that I found quite a few portions of this book to be a little repetitive. I do think that Wilkinson was trying to draw a thorough line between the height of Ptolemaic power and its end, but Alexander the Great makes a lot of appearances throughout the book and the golden age of the Dynasty was constantly referenced. It made it a little hard to follow the timeline of how events were unfolding.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It provided a deeper understanding of how the Ptolemaic dynasty maintained their power after securing their place in Egypt. The death of Alexander the Great left his empire in a race for dominance and Ptolemy I was able to establish himself and his dynasty in such a way to integrate Egyptian customs and maintain power for nearly three centuries. Wilkinson's writing not only highlights life in wider Egypt but also the tensions between Greek Immigrants who helped install Ptolemaic rule and the Indigenous Egyptians who ensured the continuation of the dynasty. Would recommend it to those interested in a great cultural understanding of Egypt during the last Pharaonic dynasty.

Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Death, Incest, Infertility, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Cultural appropriation, Toxic friendship, Colonisation, War, Classism
Moderate: Fatphobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicide, Medical content, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Slavery, Kidnapping

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read The Last Dynasty to fulfill a long dormant desire to understand more about ancient Egypt. So exotic and interesting, I have always felt a curiosity about this ancient civilization. Egypt prized learning, being an advanced civilization back at their peak, but this large tome covers the managed decline under the Macedonian Ptolemaic pharaohs, who followed on after Alexander the Great. The most notable, or widely known, being the last pharaoh, Cleopatra. Yes, that Cleopatra who was entangled with Caesar then Mark Antony.

This novel is packed full of amazing day-to-day facts and information. Book keeping, taxation records, garbage dumps and graffiti being great sources of useful information. The ancients were clearly keen on keeping all manner of documentation, collecting such a vast amount of information must have been a huge job. I found it all incredible and not unlike how societies are run today. Things certainly have not changed much but it is interesting to see that so well illustrated.

Under the Ptolemies there was a great influx of Greeks into Egypt. This book goes into great detail on the strengths and weaknesses of a multicultural society and the troubles that brought to this bread basket of the Mediterranean. It also demonstrates how high taxation, when the government coffers are running low, lead to unhappy citizenry, mass emigration, trouble and an even further decline for the government. Do we never learn?

I enjoyed this journey back in time and did find it sad that such a powerful nation and people could be brought so low. As they yoked and conquered other nations, so, too, were they conquered by the Romans. It is a cycle of rise and fall that goes back as far as mankind. All who rise to lofty heights can only decline. That said, this was a well researched, fascinating look at an incredible time in history.

[Peter Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of this author and this book does not disappoint.
Besides telling us the history, Wilkinson has a fluidity in his approach which takes us on parallel paths without ever leaving the reader wondering why.

Easily one of the best books on the Ptolemaic dynasties, taking us from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra VII and the end of what is considered ancient Egyptian history.
While they were all Greek, they all adopted Egyptian religion and customs, ending with Cleopatra VII which many would consider the most Egyptianized of them all!

Wilkinson delivers the narrative in a clear concise way leaving the reader with a far greater appreciation for the impact that some of these kings left behind, not only in stone, but in how Egypt was perceived during their time, never getting overly bogged down by some historical moments which have been beaten to death. Take the reign of Cleopatra VII and her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony. There are many books which focus on this period in time, and it would have been easy for Wilkinson to spend a disproportionate amount of time recounting this period, but he doesn't. He lays out the most pivotal moments during this period but keeps the story flowing to its eventual conclusion. I think there were a total of three or four sentences on how Cleopatra might have died, and that is quite enough!

If I had one critique it would be that because the Ptolemies where all Greek, Wilkinson chose to call some of the names of places by what they were called during this time period. While we all know Edfu, in this book its Apollinopolis, Dendera is Tentyris. I completely understand this, but I still think he should have just gone with the name we are all familiar with.

Highly recommended book

[Simone Gherbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vita e morte della dinastia Tolemaica

Sin da quando ero piccolo mi sono appassionato alla dinastia Tolemaica, di cui in generale si parla ben poco, questo libro di Wilkinson è stato scritto per illuminare un periodo storico molto spesso ignorato che come detto dallo scrittore stesso è considerato un periodo troppo tardo per gli egittologi e troppo presto per gli storici romani, dunque spesso passa in secondo piano. Il libro fa luce su eventi e personaggi della Dinastia di cui per lo più si ignora l'esistenza e che tuttavia sono di estremo interesse per via del quadro geopolitico del Tempo, il focus è sulla Dinastia Tolemaica tuttavia l'autore dipinge il quadro generale, mostrando intrighi, politiche e guerre tra i vari Diadochi, soprattutto i problemi con i Seleucidi.

Quando Alessandro Magno conquista l'Egitto liberandolo dai Persiani, vengono considerati odiati invasori in quanto indifferenti alle divinità e i rituali egizi, Alessandro, in veste di liberatore dell'Egitto si proclama imperatore e protettore dei rituali egizi, gettando le basi per una nuova dinastia Faraonica e fondando la città di Alessandria che poi avrebbe sovvertito Memphis (Capitale religiosa e storica dell'Egitto) come nuova capitale del Regno.
Tuttavia l'Impero di Alessandro terminerà praticamente con la sua morte e Tolomeo che aveva seguito Alessandro nelle sue campagne, farà in modo di riceverne il territorio durante la spartizione del suo Impero. Tolomeo decide di seguire l'esempio del suo amico Alessandro e, nominandosi Faraone si dichiara protettore dei rituali e delle divinità egizie, investendo molto tempo e denaro nel costruire e nell'ultimare i templi. In Egitto non era importante la provenienza della Dinastia ma di come si comportassero nei riguardi delle divinità e dell'Egitto. I suoi successori più vicini seguiranno il suo esempio, ma man mano che la Dinastia invecchia queste cose vengono in parte trascurate. Molto interessante anche come viene spiegata la convivenza tra Ellenici ed Egizi, due culture che non si mescolano mai, di come il fatto che la lingua statale fosse il Greco e molti egizi dovessero adattarsi a questo sistema di cose, l'autore cita papiri di come molti egizi di fatto detestassero i ''padroni'' greci, che avevano maggiori diritti rispetto agli autoctoni.
Interessanti ma brevi i capitoli di Cleopatra anche se già noti a chi si interessa di cose egizie, in cui Cleopatra non può far altro che sfidare un destino già scritto, riuscendo a preservare l'indipendenza del suo paese per un certo tempo, dandogli una prosperità che ricordava il regno del primo Tolomeo che pero' non durerà molto, divenendo la prima e unica della sua dinastia ad imparare la lingua dei locali ed amicarsi il suo popolo.
Tutto si conclude con la vittoria di Ottaviano che al contrario di tutti i conquistatori d'Egitto non avrà interesse a proclamarsi faraone e l'Egitto diverrà solo una provincia Romana. ''Aegypto Capta'', Augusto è alla strega di un Dio in tutto l'Impero Romano, Roma è un fenomeno irripetibile nella Storia e nel tempo.
La civiltà Faraonica è estinta.

Ciò che sta nel mezzo lo lascio scoprire a chi vorrà leggere questo fantastico libro.

[Jax · Rating 5 out of 5]

It should be safe to say that most people have heard of Alexander the Great and Cleopatra. It might come as a surprise that author Toby Wilkerson states that the Ptolemaic Dynasty that began with Alexander and ended with Cleopatra is little known outside specialist academic circles. He points out that scholars are often either Egyptologists or Roman historians. The Ptolemaic period falls between these two disciplines.

For those who study this Hellenistic period in Egypt, Greek papyri hold a wealth of information. As he describes in this book, the Greeks who ruled Egypt for centuries, brought innovation, commerce, and opportunity to the region. The indigenous population documented their views with inscriptions and other artifacts. Wilkerson refers to Egypt during this period as a “land of tradition and quiet evolution.”

Besides the remarkable growth and innovation during the Ptolemaic period, what separated them from the Persian rulers before them was the delicate balance they maintained between the Egyptian and Greek cultures. In a layered system, the Macedonian Greeks were the ruling class and cultural elites, but indigenous Egyptians held important positions, and their religion and animal cults were honored.

This book will add value to any historian's collection and, according to Wilkerson, fill a needed gap in knowledge about Egypt’s rich history.

Thank you to W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for providing this e-ARC.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the last great dynasty of Ancient Egypt, from the initial conquering by Alexander the Great, to the annexing of Egypt by Rome. Although the ruling house of Ptolemy starts off strong, there is a gradual decline throughout the generations leading to the last moments of its most infamous rulers - Cleopatra.

Judging by the other reviews I seem to be an outlier here, but I found the majority of this book quite dry to read. The story of Alexander & the first Ptolemy's takeover of Egypt was interesting as were the final chapters about Cleopatra, Caesar, & Mark Antony. These sandwiched the rest of the book which, although well-researched, didn't keep my attention in the same way. There was a lot about the different political factions & agriculture/farming, but I wanted to know about the people themselves. I did enjoy the bits about the religious cults of the Apis Bull & others & would have liked more. Overall, it was informative & well-researched, but I found it a little academically dry in tone. 3.5 stars (rounded up)

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (UK & ANZ), for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[W M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ptolemaic Egypt had a very similar issue when it came to billeting troops, as encountered in the years leading up to the American Revolution. They have this system of importing Hellenic mercenaries and rewarding them with subsistence land grant grants. The issue lies in the period in between arrival and assigned land grant, when the soldier is placed with a local Egyptian family. Besides the language and religion barriers, opportunistic soldiers swapped better accommodations by threatening a desired neighbor. Egyptians began to construct shrines that hid space, assessed by local officials to be filled with arriving mercenaries. Local officials would locate and destroy such obstructions, only to find a non-attached extension or even complete walled divide of the main structure, anything to separate the indigenous population from the paid foreign men of war. I find the Greco-Roman transition so fascinating and also the enduring power of the indigenous Egyptian culture via the Priesthood caste.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid Egyptian history offering from the always excellent Toby Wilkinson.

This is much more a straight up history of late ancient Egypt than the Egyptology-driven content we typically get from Wilkinson, but the research and style remains excellent. I think this one is a bit more for casual Egypt enthusiasts than some of the author’s previous work, so likely more approachable if you’re newer to the topic but less satisfying if you have a bit more background knowledge.

I think I would have preferred a narrower focus or shorter piece of the timeline with greater detail, as all of the Ptolemaic Age is a LOT to cram into one book, but I also think this is useful as a primer in that regard. And of course, Wilkinson is so meticulous that even if you’re well versed in the Ptolmies, you’re going to learn a thing or two.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting look at the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt from Alexander the Great right through to Cleopatra VII. While focusing on the royal aspect, the book also delves into Egyptian life, and how the Ptolemys fitted themselves into it.

Though it could be dry in places, I found the book interesting. This family was dysfunctional from the beginning right up to the end. Ptolemy I founded his dynasty. Ptolemy II brought war elephants into the equation and his reign brought prosperity to Egypt. Ptolemy III's reign saw the creation of the Library of Alexandria and the Temple of Horus. The list of accomplishments is staggering, but so is the list of defeats. There were a couple of warring Ptolemys. A couple of Cleopatras hated each other. Murder and scheming were to be found around every corner.

Recommended for people with in interest in Egyptian history, in particular the Ptolemaic time period.

[Eugenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book was so so good! I've read another of his books about Egypt a couple of years ago and was impressed with the level of research. This book didn't disappoint and in my opinion, went over and above in many ways, Cleopatra has always fascinated popular culture but the origin story of her family is just as worthy of interest and praise because oh boy, is there plenty of tea there all the down the family tree.

This book is meticulously researched but isn't boring and will not turn away those that rarely indulge in nonfiction. In fact, because its language is so clear, each Ptolemy's personality is so well laid out, and events flow so seamlessly, a non fan of fiction will not realize until it's too late that they are in fact enjoying a history book :)

[Jim Bogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview of the Dynasty of the Ptolemies. Wilkerson varies between chronological and topical viewpoints, sometimes a bit confusingly. He does a good job of showing how the local superpower, under the first three Kings, slowly loses power, territories, and influence.
He spends much of the study looking at the complicated relationship between native Egyptians and Greek settlers. The early Ptolemies wanted and needed Greeks and Macedonians as both colonists and soldiers; Greek mercenaries received land for service. And even as Egypt declined its fabled wealth drew new immigrants. Some interacted, and married, Egyptians. Others tried to stay exclusive. And the Royals needed both Greek and Egyptian support.
Lots of citations and a good bibliography make this a valuable read.

[Juliew. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly while I thought this did contain new to me information and was well researched I just wasn't appreciative of the writing.It was rather dull at points and the author constantly switched timelines in the middle of certain pharaoh's stories.You might be reading about Ptolemy III but in actuality the author has switched to Ptolemy I mid paragraph and then back again after several sentences.It was a pretty frustrating issue for me but I prevailed and did enjoy reading about the Triumphs,some of the lesser known pharaohs and of course Alexandria itself.

Much thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This was an ARC Goodreads Giveaway*
This book is well written! Perfect for people with a passing interest in history, or people who are experts in ancient times. It was cool to learn about a period of Egyptian history that I knew very little about. Even more awesome to realize I'd been or meant to visit some of the places mentioned. And as someone with passing knowledge of ancient Jewish history, always interesting to see the ancient Judeans mentioned in a non-Hebrew school context. I only wish the ARC copy had the map already for better visual understanding!

[Ernest Spoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly informative and, dare I say, entertaining account of ancient Egypt's last, albeit of foreign origin, dynasty, the Ptolemys. I knew that the Ptolemaic dynasty survived three hundred years of internecine squabling, assassinations and incest, as well as wars against foreign aggressors, I just never found the details. HBO's Game of Thrones cannot outdo the Ptolemys for political, dynastic skullduggery. And it is rather sad to think Cleopatra VII might have revived Ptolemaic fortunes had Octavian not been a genius politician.

[Thomas Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this overview of the Ptolemaic Dynasty. Its a dynasty that is Seldom the focus of Ancient Egypt narrative histories so it is great to see them front and centre. In particular I learned a lot about the early Ptolemies. The pace of the book is brilliant and kept me invested until the end.
There is a very melancholic tone to the narrative as the reader is almost certainly aware of the doom that faces the dynasty and Cleopatra at the end, but that works in the books favour. I didn't want to finish the book because it reminds me that Ancient Egypt truly did end.

[Christine Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly well researched and readable book about Ptolomaic Egypt from the death of Alexander the Great in 323 to the demise of Cleopatra VII in 30 BC. The story of the Ptolomies and Cleopatras who ruled the most prosperous third of the ancient world for almost 300 is fascinating. The fast paced narrative covers many aspects of Egyptian life such as agriculture, sciences, literature and religion. The rival personalities of the Macedonian dynasty, their military strategies, wars and familial
conflicts all make this book a recommended read.

[Rik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid overview of the period. Packed with cultural and contexual tangents that can seem a bit much at times (as in the quantity with respect to the narrative) but by the end it makes sense and you get a much more thorough sense of the fall of Egypt. Great book, feel like i learned as much about Egyptian temples and agriculture as i did about the Ptolemys. Goes without saying there's a lot about the larger Hellenistic world in here too.

[Aniqa]

Wilkinson’s storytelling is what truly kept me engaged throughout this book. His examination of Alexander the Great’s role in laying the foundations for the Ptolemaic period is particularly insightful, highlighting the deliberate integration of Grecian and Egyptian cultural elements that facilitated the acceptance of subsequent Macedonian rule. This is a thoughtful and brilliantly descriptive exploration of a frequently overlooked era of history.

Thanks to Wilkinson and the publisher for this ARC.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio which may have been part of the problem...but with so many leaders named Ptolemy, it felt a little confusing to keep each story and person straight. Some...like Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, Julius Caesar...I had some background knowledge and appreciated the additional things I learned. But some I felt a little lost and there cultural mores are hard for me to fathom.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last dinasty plays a relevant role in the Egyptian history and an iconic character like Cleopatra VII
A story of turbulent dynasty, plenty of court intrigue and power plays.
Informative and fascinating as a novel
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine