The last dynasty : ancient Egypt from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra / Toby Wilkinson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Wilkinson, Toby, 1969- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ptolemaic dynasty, 305-30 B.C.

Ptolemaic dynasty.

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

Egypt.

Egypt--History--Greco-Roman period, 332 B.C.-640 A.D.

Egypt--Kings and rulers.

Physical Description:

xx, 348 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 24 cm

Edition:

First American edition.

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : W.W. Norton & Company, 2024.

Summary:

"Macedonian in origin and Greek-speaking, the Ptolemies presided over the final flourishing of pharaonic civilization. Wilkinson describes the extraordinary cultural reach displayed at the height of their power: how they founded new cities, including Alexandria, their great seaside residence and commercial capital; mined gold in the furthest reaches of Nubia; built spectacular new temples that are among the foremost architectural wonders of the Nile Valley; and created a dazzling civilization that produced astonishing works of sculpture, architecture, and literature. Stunningly, he also shows how such expansionist ambitions led to the era's downfall. The Ptolemaic period was a time when ancient Egypt turned its gaze westward--in the process becoming the unwitting handmaid to the inexorable rise of Rome and the consequent loss of Egyptian independence"-- Provided by publisher.

One of the world's leading Egyptologists tells the rich and fascinating story of ancient Egypt's last dynasty.

Contents:

Part I. Apotheosis (323-221 BC)

Part II. Crisis (221-145 BC)

Part III. Neurosis (145-80 BC)

Part IV. Nemesis (80-30 BC).

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 291-329) and index.

ISBN:

9781324052036

1324052031

OCLC:

1437527837