# Ptolemaic dynasty

Periods and dynasties of ancient Egypt :
All years are BC :
Predynastic Protodynastic 0 c. 3300–3150 :
Early Dynastic First Dynasty I c. 3150–2890 Second Dynasty II 2890–2686 :
Old Kingdom Third Dynasty III 2686–2613 Fourth Dynasty IV 2613–2498 Fifth Dynasty V 2498–2345 Sixth Dynasty VI 2345–2181 :
First Intermediate Seventh Dynasty VII spurious Eighth Dynasty VIII 2181–2160 Ninth Dynasty IX 2160–2130 Tenth Dynasty X 2130–2040 Early Eleventh Dynasty XI 2134–2061 :
Middle Kingdom Late Eleventh Dynasty XI 2061–1991 Twelfth Dynasty XII 1991–1803 Thirteenth Dynasty XIII 1803–1649 :
Second Intermediate Fourteenth Dynasty XIV 1705–1690 Fifteenth Dynasty (Hyksos) XV 1674–1535 Sixteenth Dynasty XVI 1660–1600 Abydos Dynasty 1650–1600 Seventeenth Dynasty XVII 1580–1549 :
New Kingdom Eighteenth Dynasty XVIII 1549–1292 Nineteenth Dynasty XIX 1292–1189 Twentieth Dynasty XX 1189–1077 :
Third Intermediate Twenty-first Dynasty XXI 1069–945 Twenty-second Dynasty XXII 945–720 Twenty-third Dynasty XXIII 837–728 Twenty-fourth Dynasty XXIV 732–720 Twenty-fifth Dynasty (Nubian) XXV 732–653 :
Late Period Twenty-sixth Dynasty XXVI 672–525 Twenty-seventh Dynasty (1st Persian Period) XXVII 525–404 Twenty-eighth Dynasty XXVIII 404–398 Twenty-ninth Dynasty XXIX 398–380 Thirtieth Dynasty XXX 380–343 Thirty-first Dynasty (2nd Persian Period) XXXI 343–332 :
Hellenistic Egypt Thirty-second Dynasty XXXII 332–305 Thirty-third Dynasty XXXIII 305–30 :
Roman Egypt Thirty-fourth Dynasty (Roman Pharaohs) XXXIV 30 BC – 313 AD :
Byzantine Egypt Thirty-fifth Dynasty (speculated) XXXV 379 AD – 641 AD :
See also: List of pharaohs by period and dynasty Periodization of ancient Egypt :
vte :
The Ptolemaic dynasty (/ˌtɒlɪˈmeɪ.ɪk/; Ancient Greek: Πτολεμαῖοι, Ptolemaioi), also known as the Lagid dynasty (Λαγίδαι, Lagidai; after Ptolemy I's father, Lagus), was a Macedonian Greek royal house which ruled the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Ancient Egypt during the Hellenistic period. Reigning for 275 years, the Ptolemaic was the longest and last dynasty of ancient Egypt from 305 BC until its incorporation into the Roman Republic in 30 BC.
Ptolemy, a general and one of the somatophylakes (bodyguard companions) of Alexander the Great, was appointed satrap of Egypt after Alexander's death in 323 BC. In 305 BC he declared himself Pharaoh Ptolemy I, later known as Sōter "Saviour". The Egyptians soon accepted the Ptolemies as the successors to the pharaohs of independent Egypt. The new dynasty showed respect to local traditions and adopted the Egyptian titles and iconography, while also preserving their own Greek language and culture. The Ptolemaic period was marked by the intense interactions and blending of the Greek and Egyptian cultures. Under the Ptolemies, Hellenistic religion was largely shaped by religious syncretism and imperial cult. Elements of Greek education became widespread in urban spaces, culminating in the foundation of the Mouseion (including the Library of Alexandria) and the Serapeum. During the Hellenistic period, the city of Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great, would gradually surpass Athens taking its place as the intellectual centre of the Mediterranean world.
To emulate the previous dynasties of Egypt, the Ptolemaic dynasty eventually adopted the practice of inbreeding including sibling marriage; this did not start in earnest until nearly a century into the dynasty's history. All the male rulers of the dynasty took the name Ptolemy, while queens regnant were all called Cleopatra, Arsinoe, or Berenice. The most famous member of the line was the last queen, Cleopatra VII, known for her role in the Roman political battles between Julius Caesar and Pompey, and later between Octavian and Mark Antony. Her apparent suicide after the Roman conquest of Egypt marked the end of Ptolemaic rule in Egypt.

## Rulers and consorts

* Ptolemy I Soter (303–282 BC) married first Thaïs, then Artakama, then Eurydice, and finally Berenice I
* Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285–246 BC) married Arsinoe I, then Arsinoe II; ruled jointly with Ptolemy Epigonos (267–259 BC)
* Ptolemy III Euergetes (246–221 BC) married Berenice II
* Ptolemy IV Philopator (221–203 BC) married Arsinoe III
* Ptolemy V Epiphanes (203–181 BC) married Cleopatra I Syra
* Ptolemy VI Philometor (181–164 BC, 163–145 BC) married Cleopatra II, briefly ruled jointly with Ptolemy Eupator in 152 BC
* Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator (possibly never reigned)
* Ptolemy VIII Physcon (170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) married Cleopatra II, then Cleopatra III; temporarily expelled from Alexandria by Cleopatra II from 131 to 127 BC, then reconciled with her in 124 BC.
* Cleopatra II Philometor Soteira (131–127 BC), in opposition to Ptolemy VIII Physcon
* Ptolemy Apion (c. 120–96 BC), son of Ptolemy VIII. Last Ptolemaic king of Cyrene.
* Cleopatra III Philometor Soteira Dikaiosyne Nikephoros (Kokke) (116–101 BC) ruled jointly with Ptolemy IX Lathyros (116–107 BC) and Ptolemy X Alexander I (107–101 BC)
* Ptolemy IX Lathyros (116–107 BC, 88–81 BC as Soter II) married Cleopatra IV, then Cleopatra Selene; ruled jointly with Cleopatra III in his first reign
* Ptolemy X Alexander I (107–88 BC) married Cleopatra Selene, then Berenice III; ruled jointly with Cleopatra III till 101 BC
* Berenice III Philopator (81–80 BC)
* Ptolemy XI Alexander II (80 BC) married and ruled jointly with Berenice III before murdering her; ruled alone for 19 days after that.
* Ptolemy XII Neos Dionysos (Auletes) (80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) married Cleopatra V Tryphaena
* Cleopatra VI Tryphaena (58–57 BC) ruled jointly with Berenice IV Epiphaneia (58–55 BC), possibly identical with Cleopatra V Tryphaena
* Cleopatra ("Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator", 51–30 BC) ruled jointly with Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (51–47 BC), Ptolemy XIV (47–44 BC) and Ptolemy XV Caesarion (44–30 BC).
* Arsinoe IV (48–47 BC), in opposition to Cleopatra
* Ptolemy of Mauretania (13 or 9 BC–AD 40) Client king and ruler of Mauretania for Rome
Dates in brackets on the Cup of the Ptolemies represent the regnal dates of the Ptolemaic pharaohs. They frequently ruled jointly with their wives, who were often also their sisters, aunts or cousins. Several queens exercised regal authority. Of these, one of the last and most famous was Cleopatra ("Cleopatra VII Philopator", 51–30 BC), with her two brothers and her son serving as successive nominal co-rulers. Several systems exist for numbering the later rulers; the one used here is the one most widely employed by modern scholars.

## Family tree

Ptolemaic family tree :
| | | Lagus of Eordea, Macedon | Lagus of Eordea, Macedon | Lagus of Eordea, Macedon | Lagus of Eordea, Macedon | | | Arsinoe of Macedon | Arsinoe of Macedon | Arsinoe of Macedon | Arsinoe of Macedon | Arsinoe of Macedon | Arsinoe of Macedon |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy I Soter (Kg 303–282 BC) | Ptolemy I Soter (Kg 303–282 BC) | Ptolemy I Soter (Kg 303–282 BC) | Ptolemy I Soter (Kg 303–282 BC) | Ptolemy I Soter (Kg 303–282 BC) | Ptolemy I Soter (Kg 303–282 BC) | | | Berenice I | Berenice I | Berenice I | Berenice I | Berenice I | Berenice I | | | Philip | Philip | Philip | Philip | Philip | Philip | | |
| Arsinoe II | Arsinoe II | Ptolemy II Philadelphus (Kg. 285–246 BC) | Ptolemy II Philadelphus (Kg. 285–246 BC) | Arsinoe I | Arsinoe I | | | Magas of Cyrene | Magas of Cyrene | | | Apama II | Apama II | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy III Euergetes (Kg. 246–221 BC) | Ptolemy III Euergetes (Kg. 246–221 BC) | Ptolemy III Euergetes (Kg. 246–221 BC) | Ptolemy III Euergetes (Kg. 246–221 BC) | Ptolemy III Euergetes (Kg. 246–221 BC) | Ptolemy III Euergetes (Kg. 246–221 BC) | | | Berenice II | Berenice II | Berenice II | Berenice II | Berenice II | Berenice II | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy IV Philopator (Kg. 221–203 BC) | Ptolemy IV Philopator (Kg. 221–203 BC) | Ptolemy IV Philopator (Kg. 221–203 BC) | Ptolemy IV Philopator (Kg. 221–203 BC) | Ptolemy IV Philopator (Kg. 221–203 BC) | Ptolemy IV Philopator (Kg. 221–203 BC) | | | Arsinoe III | Arsinoe III | Arsinoe III | Arsinoe III | Arsinoe III | Arsinoe III | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy V Epiphanes (Kg. 203–181 BC) | Ptolemy V Epiphanes (Kg. 203–181 BC) | Ptolemy V Epiphanes (Kg. 203–181 BC) | Ptolemy V Epiphanes (Kg. 203–181 BC) | Ptolemy V Epiphanes (Kg. 203–181 BC) | Ptolemy V Epiphanes (Kg. 203–181 BC) | | | Cleopatra I Syra | Cleopatra I Syra | Cleopatra I Syra | Cleopatra I Syra | Cleopatra I Syra | Cleopatra I Syra | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Ptolemy VI Philometor (Kg. 181–164 BC, 163–145 BC) | Ptolemy VI Philometor (Kg. 181–164 BC, 163–145 BC) | Ptolemy VI Philometor (Kg. 181–164 BC, 163–145 BC) | Ptolemy VI Philometor (Kg. 181–164 BC, 163–145 BC) | Ptolemy VI Philometor (Kg. 181–164 BC, 163–145 BC) | Ptolemy VI Philometor (Kg. 181–164 BC, 163–145 BC) | | | Cleopatra II (Qn. 131–127 BC) | Cleopatra II (Qn. 131–127 BC) | Cleopatra II (Qn. 131–127 BC) | Cleopatra II (Qn. 131–127 BC) | Cleopatra II (Qn. 131–127 BC) | Cleopatra II (Qn. 131–127 BC) | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy VIII Physcon (Kg. 170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) | Ptolemy VIII Physcon (Kg. 170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) | Ptolemy VIII Physcon (Kg. 170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) | Ptolemy VIII Physcon (Kg. 170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) | Ptolemy VIII Physcon (Kg. 170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) | Ptolemy VIII Physcon (Kg. 170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) | | | Eirene | Eirene | Eirene | Eirene | Eirene | Eirene |
| | | | | Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator | Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator | Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator | Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator | Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator | Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator | | | Cleopatra III (Qn, 116–101 BC) | Cleopatra III (Qn, 116–101 BC) | Cleopatra III (Qn, 116–101 BC) | Cleopatra III (Qn, 116–101 BC) | Cleopatra III (Qn, 116–101 BC) | Cleopatra III (Qn, 116–101 BC) | | | Ptolemy Memphites | Ptolemy Memphites | Ptolemy Memphites | Ptolemy Memphites | Ptolemy Memphites | Ptolemy Memphites | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy Apion | Ptolemy Apion | Ptolemy Apion | Ptolemy Apion | Ptolemy Apion | Ptolemy Apion |
| | | | | Cleopatra IV | Cleopatra IV | Cleopatra IV | Cleopatra IV | Cleopatra IV | Cleopatra IV | | | Ptolemy IX Lathyros (Kg. 116–107 BC, as Soter II 88–81 BC) | Ptolemy IX Lathyros (Kg. 116–107 BC, as Soter II 88–81 BC) | Ptolemy IX Lathyros (Kg. 116–107 BC, as Soter II 88–81 BC) | Ptolemy IX Lathyros (Kg. 116–107 BC, as Soter II 88–81 BC) | Ptolemy IX Lathyros (Kg. 116–107 BC, as Soter II 88–81 BC) | Ptolemy IX Lathyros (Kg. 116–107 BC, as Soter II 88–81 BC) | | | Cleopatra Selene | Cleopatra Selene | Cleopatra Selene | Cleopatra Selene | Cleopatra Selene | Cleopatra Selene | | | Ptolemy X Alexander I (Kg. 107–88 BC) | Ptolemy X Alexander I (Kg. 107–88 BC) | Ptolemy X Alexander I (Kg. 107–88 BC) | Ptolemy X Alexander I (Kg. 107–88 BC) | Ptolemy X Alexander I (Kg. 107–88 BC) | Ptolemy X Alexander I (Kg. 107–88 BC) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Ptolemy XII Auletes (Kg. 80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) | Ptolemy XII Auletes (Kg. 80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) | Ptolemy XII Auletes (Kg. 80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) | Ptolemy XII Auletes (Kg. 80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) | Ptolemy XII Auletes (Kg. 80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) | Ptolemy XII Auletes (Kg. 80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) | | | | | | | | | | | Berenice III (Qn. 81–80 BC) | Berenice III (Qn. 81–80 BC) | Berenice III (Qn. 81–80 BC) | Berenice III (Qn. 81–80 BC) | Berenice III (Qn. 81–80 BC) | Berenice III (Qn. 81–80 BC) | | | Ptolemy XI Alexander II (Kg. 80 BC, for 19 days) | Ptolemy XI Alexander II (Kg. 80 BC, for 19 days) | Ptolemy XI Alexander II (Kg. 80 BC, for 19 days) | Ptolemy XI Alexander II (Kg. 80 BC, for 19 days) | Ptolemy XI Alexander II (Kg. 80 BC, for 19 days) | Ptolemy XI Alexander II (Kg. 80 BC, for 19 days) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Cleopatra V (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Cleopatra V (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Cleopatra V (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Cleopatra V (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Cleopatra V (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Cleopatra V (Qn. 58–55 BC) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Cleopatra VI (Qn. 58 BC) | Cleopatra VI (Qn. 58 BC) | Cleopatra VI (Qn. 58 BC) | Cleopatra VI (Qn. 58 BC) | | | Berenice IV (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Berenice IV (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Berenice IV (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Berenice IV (Qn. 58–55 BC) | | | Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (Kg. 51–47 BC) | Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (Kg. 51–47 BC) | Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (Kg. 51–47 BC) | Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (Kg. 51–47 BC) | | | Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (Qn. 51–30 BC) | Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (Qn. 51–30 BC) | Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (Qn. 51–30 BC) | Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (Qn. 51–30 BC) | | | Ptolemy XIV (Kg. 47–44 BC) | Ptolemy XIV (Kg. 47–44 BC) | Ptolemy XIV (Kg. 47–44 BC) | Ptolemy XIV (Kg. 47–44 BC) | | | Arsinoe IV (Qn. 48–47 BC) | Arsinoe IV (Qn. 48–47 BC) | Arsinoe IV (Qn. 48–47 BC) | Arsinoe IV (Qn. 48–47 BC) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Julius Caesar | Julius Caesar | Julius Caesar | Julius Caesar | Julius Caesar | Julius Caesar | Mark Antony | Mark Antony | Mark Antony | Mark Antony | Mark Antony | Mark Antony |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy XV Caesarion (Kg. 44–30 BC) | Ptolemy XV Caesarion (Kg. 44–30 BC) | Ptolemy XV Caesarion (Kg. 44–30 BC) | Ptolemy XV Caesarion (Kg. 44–30 BC) | Ptolemy XV Caesarion (Kg. 44–30 BC) | Ptolemy XV Caesarion (Kg. 44–30 BC) | | | Alexander Helios | Alexander Helios | Alexander Helios | Alexander Helios | Alexander Helios | Alexander Helios | | | Ptolemy Philadelphus | Ptolemy Philadelphus | Ptolemy Philadelphus | Ptolemy Philadelphus | Ptolemy Philadelphus | Ptolemy Philadelphus | | | Cleopatra Selene II | Cleopatra Selene II | Cleopatra Selene II | Cleopatra Selene II | Cleopatra Selene II | Cleopatra Selene II |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy of Mauretania | Ptolemy of Mauretania | Ptolemy of Mauretania | Ptolemy of Mauretania | Ptolemy of Mauretania | Ptolemy of Mauretania | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Detailed Ptolemaic family tree :
| | | | | | | | | | | Antipater | Antipater | Antipater | Antipater | Antipater | Antipater | | | | | | | | | | | Lagus | Lagus | Lagus | Lagus | Lagus | Lagus | | | Arsinoe of Macedon | Arsinoe of Macedon | Arsinoe of Macedon | Arsinoe of Macedon | Arsinoe of Macedon | Arsinoe of Macedon |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Eurydice | Eurydice | Eurydice | Eurydice | Eurydice | Eurydice | | | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy I Soter (Kg 303–282 BC) | Ptolemy I Soter (Kg 303–282 BC) | Ptolemy I Soter (Kg 303–282 BC) | Ptolemy I Soter (Kg 303–282 BC) | Ptolemy I Soter (Kg 303–282 BC) | Ptolemy I Soter (Kg 303–282 BC) | | | | | | | Berenice I (∞ Philip ↓ Magas of Cyrene ∞ Apama II ↓ See below: Berenice II) | Berenice I (∞ Philip ↓ Magas of Cyrene ∞ Apama II ↓ See below: Berenice II) | Berenice I (∞ Philip ↓ Magas of Cyrene ∞ Apama II ↓ See below: Berenice II) | Berenice I (∞ Philip ↓ Magas of Cyrene ∞ Apama II ↓ See below: Berenice II) | Berenice I (∞ Philip ↓ Magas of Cyrene ∞ Apama II ↓ See below: Berenice II) | Berenice I (∞ Philip ↓ Magas of Cyrene ∞ Apama II ↓ See below: Berenice II) | Lysimachus | Lysimachus | Lysimachus | Lysimachus | Lysimachus | Lysimachus | | |
| | | | | Lysandra | Lysandra | Lysandra | Lysandra | Lysandra | Lysandra | | | Ptolemais | Ptolemais | Ptolemais | Ptolemais | Ptolemais | Ptolemais | | | Ptolemy Ceraunus | Ptolemy Ceraunus | Ptolemy Ceraunus | Ptolemy Ceraunus | Ptolemy Ceraunus | Ptolemy Ceraunus | | | | | Arsinoe II | Arsinoe II | Arsinoe II | Arsinoe II | Arsinoe II | Arsinoe II | | | Ptolemy II Philadelphus (Kg. 285–246 BC) | Ptolemy II Philadelphus (Kg. 285–246 BC) | Ptolemy II Philadelphus (Kg. 285–246 BC) | Ptolemy II Philadelphus (Kg. 285–246 BC) | Ptolemy II Philadelphus (Kg. 285–246 BC) | Ptolemy II Philadelphus (Kg. 285–246 BC) | | | | | | | | | Arsinoe I | Arsinoe I | Arsinoe I | Arsinoe I | Arsinoe I | Arsinoe I | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Berenice II of Egypt (daughter of Magas of Cyrene, see above: Berenice I) | Berenice II of Egypt (daughter of Magas of Cyrene, see above: Berenice I) | Berenice II of Egypt (daughter of Magas of Cyrene, see above: Berenice I) | Berenice II of Egypt (daughter of Magas of Cyrene, see above: Berenice I) | Berenice II of Egypt (daughter of Magas of Cyrene, see above: Berenice I) | Berenice II of Egypt (daughter of Magas of Cyrene, see above: Berenice I) | | | Ptolemy III Euergetes (Kg. 246–221 BC) | Ptolemy III Euergetes (Kg. 246–221 BC) | Ptolemy III Euergetes (Kg. 246–221 BC) | Ptolemy III Euergetes (Kg. 246–221 BC) | Ptolemy III Euergetes (Kg. 246–221 BC) | Ptolemy III Euergetes (Kg. 246–221 BC) | | | | | | | Berenice Syra | Berenice Syra | Berenice Syra | Berenice Syra | Berenice Syra | Berenice Syra | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Antiochus III the Great | Antiochus III the Great | Antiochus III the Great | Antiochus III the Great | Antiochus III the Great | Antiochus III the Great | | | | | Arsinoe III | Arsinoe III | Arsinoe III | Arsinoe III | Arsinoe III | Arsinoe III | | | Ptolemy IV Philopator (Kg. 221–203 BC) | Ptolemy IV Philopator (Kg. 221–203 BC) | Ptolemy IV Philopator (Kg. 221–203 BC) | Ptolemy IV Philopator (Kg. 221–203 BC) | Ptolemy IV Philopator (Kg. 221–203 BC) | Ptolemy IV Philopator (Kg. 221–203 BC) | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Cleopatra I Syra | Cleopatra I Syra | Cleopatra I Syra | Cleopatra I Syra | Cleopatra I Syra | Cleopatra I Syra | | | | | | | Ptolemy V Epiphanes (Kg. 203–181 BC) | Ptolemy V Epiphanes (Kg. 203–181 BC) | Ptolemy V Epiphanes (Kg. 203–181 BC) | Ptolemy V Epiphanes (Kg. 203–181 BC) | Ptolemy V Epiphanes (Kg. 203–181 BC) | Ptolemy V Epiphanes (Kg. 203–181 BC) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy VI Philometor (Kg. 181–164 BC, 163-145 BC) | Ptolemy VI Philometor (Kg. 181–164 BC, 163-145 BC) | Ptolemy VI Philometor (Kg. 181–164 BC, 163-145 BC) | Ptolemy VI Philometor (Kg. 181–164 BC, 163-145 BC) | Ptolemy VI Philometor (Kg. 181–164 BC, 163-145 BC) | Ptolemy VI Philometor (Kg. 181–164 BC, 163-145 BC) | | | Cleopatra II (Qn. 131–127 BC) | Cleopatra II (Qn. 131–127 BC) | Cleopatra II (Qn. 131–127 BC) | Cleopatra II (Qn. 131–127 BC) | Cleopatra II (Qn. 131–127 BC) | Cleopatra II (Qn. 131–127 BC) | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy VIII Physcon (Kg. 170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) | Ptolemy VIII Physcon (Kg. 170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) | Ptolemy VIII Physcon (Kg. 170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) | Ptolemy VIII Physcon (Kg. 170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) | Ptolemy VIII Physcon (Kg. 170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) | Ptolemy VIII Physcon (Kg. 170–163 BC, 145–116 BC) | | | | | | | Eirene ? | Eirene ? | Eirene ? | Eirene ? | Eirene ? | Eirene ? |
| Ptolemy Eupator | Ptolemy Eupator | Ptolemy Eupator | Ptolemy Eupator | Ptolemy Eupator | Ptolemy Eupator | | | Cleopatra Thea | Cleopatra Thea | Cleopatra Thea | Cleopatra Thea | Cleopatra Thea | Cleopatra Thea | | | Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator | Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator | Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator | Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator | Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator | Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator | | | Cleopatra III (Qn, 116–101 BC) | Cleopatra III (Qn, 116–101 BC) | Cleopatra III (Qn, 116–101 BC) | Cleopatra III (Qn, 116–101 BC) | Cleopatra III (Qn, 116–101 BC) | Cleopatra III (Qn, 116–101 BC) | | | Ptolemy Memphites | Ptolemy Memphites | Ptolemy Memphites | Ptolemy Memphites | Ptolemy Memphites | Ptolemy Memphites | | | | | | | Ptolemy Apion | Ptolemy Apion | Ptolemy Apion | Ptolemy Apion | Ptolemy Apion | Ptolemy Apion | | |
| | | | | | | Cleopatra Tryphaena | Cleopatra Tryphaena | Cleopatra Tryphaena | Cleopatra Tryphaena | Cleopatra Tryphaena | Cleopatra Tryphaena | | | Cleopatra IV | Cleopatra IV | Cleopatra IV | Cleopatra IV | Cleopatra IV | Cleopatra IV | | | | | Ptolemy IX Lathyros (Kg. 116–107 BC, as Soter II 88–81 BC) | Ptolemy IX Lathyros (Kg. 116–107 BC, as Soter II 88–81 BC) | Ptolemy IX Lathyros (Kg. 116–107 BC, as Soter II 88–81 BC) | Ptolemy IX Lathyros (Kg. 116–107 BC, as Soter II 88–81 BC) | Ptolemy IX Lathyros (Kg. 116–107 BC, as Soter II 88–81 BC) | Ptolemy IX Lathyros (Kg. 116–107 BC, as Soter II 88–81 BC) | | | | | | | Cleopatra V Selene | Cleopatra V Selene | Cleopatra V Selene | Cleopatra V Selene | Cleopatra V Selene | Cleopatra V Selene | | | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy X Alexander I (Kg. 107–88 BC) | Ptolemy X Alexander I (Kg. 107–88 BC) | Ptolemy X Alexander I (Kg. 107–88 BC) | Ptolemy X Alexander I (Kg. 107–88 BC) | Ptolemy X Alexander I (Kg. 107–88 BC) | Ptolemy X Alexander I (Kg. 107–88 BC) | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | | | | | | | | | | | | | Berenice III (Qn. 81–80 BC) | Berenice III (Qn. 81–80 BC) | Berenice III (Qn. 81–80 BC) | Berenice III (Qn. 81–80 BC) | Berenice III (Qn. 81–80 BC) | Berenice III (Qn. 81–80 BC) | Ptolemy XI Alexander II (Kg. 80 BC, for 19 days) | Ptolemy XI Alexander II (Kg. 80 BC, for 19 days) | Ptolemy XI Alexander II (Kg. 80 BC, for 19 days) | Ptolemy XI Alexander II (Kg. 80 BC, for 19 days) | Ptolemy XI Alexander II (Kg. 80 BC, for 19 days) | Ptolemy XI Alexander II (Kg. 80 BC, for 19 days) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy of Cyprus | Ptolemy of Cyprus | Ptolemy of Cyprus | Ptolemy of Cyprus | Ptolemy of Cyprus | Ptolemy of Cyprus | | | Ptolemy XII Auletes (Kg. 80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) | Ptolemy XII Auletes (Kg. 80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) | Ptolemy XII Auletes (Kg. 80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) | Ptolemy XII Auletes (Kg. 80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) | Ptolemy XII Auletes (Kg. 80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) | Ptolemy XII Auletes (Kg. 80–58 BC, 55–51 BC) | | | | | | | | | | | | | Cleopatra VI (Qn. 58 BC) | Cleopatra VI (Qn. 58 BC) | Cleopatra VI (Qn. 58 BC) | Cleopatra VI (Qn. 58 BC) | Cleopatra VI (Qn. 58 BC) | Cleopatra VI (Qn. 58 BC) |
| | | Berenice IV (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Berenice IV (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Berenice IV (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Berenice IV (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Berenice IV (Qn. 58–55 BC) | Berenice IV (Qn. 58–55 BC) | | | Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (Kg. 51–47 BC) | Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (Kg. 51–47 BC) | Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (Kg. 51–47 BC) | Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (Kg. 51–47 BC) | Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (Kg. 51–47 BC) | Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator (Kg. 51–47 BC) | | | Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (Qn. 51–30 BC) | Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (Qn. 51–30 BC) | Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (Qn. 51–30 BC) | Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (Qn. 51–30 BC) | Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (Qn. 51–30 BC) | Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (Qn. 51–30 BC) | | | Ptolemy XIV (Kg. 47–44 BC) | Ptolemy XIV (Kg. 47–44 BC) | Ptolemy XIV (Kg. 47–44 BC) | Ptolemy XIV (Kg. 47–44 BC) | Ptolemy XIV (Kg. 47–44 BC) | Ptolemy XIV (Kg. 47–44 BC) | | | Arsinoe IV (Qn. 48–47 BC) | Arsinoe IV (Qn. 48–47 BC) | Arsinoe IV (Qn. 48–47 BC) | Arsinoe IV (Qn. 48–47 BC) | Arsinoe IV (Qn. 48–47 BC) | Arsinoe IV (Qn. 48–47 BC) | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Julius Caesar | Julius Caesar | Julius Caesar | Julius Caesar | Julius Caesar | Julius Caesar | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Mark Antony | Mark Antony | Mark Antony | Mark Antony | Mark Antony | Mark Antony | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy XV Caesarion (Kg. 44–30 BC) | Ptolemy XV Caesarion (Kg. 44–30 BC) | Ptolemy XV Caesarion (Kg. 44–30 BC) | Ptolemy XV Caesarion (Kg. 44–30 BC) | Ptolemy XV Caesarion (Kg. 44–30 BC) | Ptolemy XV Caesarion (Kg. 44–30 BC) | | | | | Alexander Helios | Alexander Helios | Alexander Helios | Alexander Helios | Alexander Helios | Alexander Helios | | | Cleopatra Selene II | Cleopatra Selene II | Cleopatra Selene II | Cleopatra Selene II | Cleopatra Selene II | Cleopatra Selene II | | | Juba II of Mauretania | Juba II of Mauretania | Juba II of Mauretania | Juba II of Mauretania | Juba II of Mauretania | Juba II of Mauretania | | | Ptolemy Philadelphus | Ptolemy Philadelphus | Ptolemy Philadelphus | Ptolemy Philadelphus | Ptolemy Philadelphus | Ptolemy Philadelphus | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Ptolemy of Mauretania | Ptolemy of Mauretania | Ptolemy of Mauretania | Ptolemy of Mauretania | Ptolemy of Mauretania | Ptolemy of Mauretania |

### Other notable members of the Ptolemaic dynasty

* Ptolemy Keraunos (died 279 BC) – eldest son of Ptolemy I Soter. Eventually became king of Macedonia.
* Ptolemy Apion (died 96 BC) – son of Ptolemy VIII Physcon. Made king of Cyrenaica. Bequeathed Cyrenaica to Rome.
* Ptolemy Philadelphus (born 36 BC) – son of Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII.
* Ptolemy of Mauretania (died 40 AD) – son of King Juba II of Numidia and Mauretania and Cleopatra Selene II, daughter of Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony. King of Mauretania.
* Ptolemy II of Telmessos, grandson of Ptolemy Epigonos, flourished second half of 3rd century BC and first half of 2nd century BC
* Ptolemy of Cyprus, king of Cyprus c. 80–58 BC, younger brother of Ptolemy XII Auletes

## Health

Continuing the tradition established by previous Egyptian dynasties, the Ptolemies engaged in inbreeding including sibling marriage, with many of the pharaohs being married to their siblings and often co-ruling with them. Ptolemy I and other early rulers of the dynasty were not married to their relatives, the childless marriage of siblings Ptolemy II and Arsinoe II being an exception. The first child-producing incestuous marriage in the Ptolemaic dynasty was that of Ptolemy IV and Arsinoe III, who were succeeded as co-pharaohs by their son Ptolemy V, born 210 BC. The best-known Ptolemaic pharaoh, Cleopatra VII, was at different times married to and ruled with two of her brothers (Ptolemy XIII until 47 BC and then Ptolemy XIV until 44 BC), and their parents were also likely to have been siblings or possibly cousins.
Contemporaries describe a number of the Ptolemaic dynasty members as extremely obese, while sculptures and coins reveal prominent eyes and swollen necks. Familial Graves' disease could explain the swollen necks and eye prominence (exophthalmos), although this is unlikely to occur in the presence of morbid obesity. This is all likely due to inbreeding depression. In view of the familial nature of these findings, members of the Ptolemaic dynasty are likely to have suffered from a multi-organ fibrotic condition such as Erdheim–Chester disease, or a familial multifocal fibrosclerosis where thyroiditis, obesity and ocular proptosis may have all occurred concurrently.

## Gallery

* Ptolemy I, founder of the dynasty.
* Ptolemy II
* Ptolemy III
* Ptolemy IV
* Ptolemy V
* Ptolemy VI
* Cleopatra II (right)
* Ptolemy VIII
* Ptolemy IX
* Ptolemy X
* Ptolemy XI
* Ptolemy XII
* Ptolemy XIII and Sekhmet
* Ptolemy XIV
* Cleopatra VII
* Ptolemy XV, commonly called Caesarion.
* Sardonyx cameo of a Ptolemaic prince as the Greek god Hermes, Cabinet des médailles, Paris.
* Posthumous portrait of Cleopatra VII, from Roman Herculaneum, mid-1st century AD.
* The Cup of the Ptolemies: front (top) of the cup (Cabinet des Médailles)
* The Cup of the Ptolemies: back (bottom) of the cup (Cabinet des Médailles)