The last queens of Egypt / Sally-Ann Ashton.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ashton, Sally-Ann.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ptolemaic dynasty, 305-30 B.C.

Ptolemaic dynasty.

Queens--Egypt--History.

Queens.

Egypt--History--332-30 B.C.

Egypt.

Physical Description:

xv, 177 pages : illustrations, map ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Harlow : Pearson/Longman, 2003.

Summary:

The last of the Ptolemaic monarchs, rulers of Egypt for 300 years, Cleopatra is the most famous of the Ptolemaic queens. But what of her predecessors?

The Last Queens of Egypt provides a fascinating look at Cleopatra's ancestors, the Ptolemaic queens, and offers an insight into one of Egypt's most famous but enigmatic families. At first glance the Ptolemaic queens appear to represent liberated and powerful individuals. A further investigation of their history and presentation, however, reveals that they were often used and abused by their consorts, brothers and sons. The role of queen was in many respects a kiss of death. Starting with an overview of earlier Egyptian royal women, the book gathers historical, archaeological and literary evidence to explore the roles played by the Ptolemaic royal women. Their part in religion, politics and court intrigue are explored and their propensity for incest, murder and power explained. Illustrated throughout, The Last Queens of Egypt offers a striking new history of Ancient Egypt, using the archaeological record to show the way in which the reign of Cleopatra was shaped.

Contents:

Chapter 1 Role models 1

Chapter 2 Egypt and the Ptolemies 17

Chapter 3 Cleopatra and her ancestors 49

Chapter 4 Presentation to the Greeks: Hellenistic queens 69

Chapter 5 Continuing the tradition: queens of Egypt 97

Chapter 6 The royal cults: deification and amalgamation 115

Chapter 7 The legacy of the Ptolemaic queens 143

A selective family tree of the Ptolematic queens 153.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 157-164) and index.

ISBN:

0582772109

OCLC:

50936664