Egypt: Rulers, Kings and Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: Ptolemy I (Soter I)

Ptolemy I (Soter I)

323-285 B.C.

Ptolemaic Dynasty


Upon the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, the throne of Egypt fell to Ptolemy I, the son of Lagus. He was a veteran soldier and trusted commander who had served Alexander. He started the Ptolemaic Dynasty, which lasted about 300 years. He ran Egypt like a business, strictly for profit. One of the few surviving works of Ptolemy I Soter is the temple of Kom Abu Billo, which was dedicated to Hathor "Mistress of Mefket".