Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Alexandreia. Ptolemy IV Philopator 222-205 BC.
Drachm Æ

41 mm, 64,02 g

Diademed head of Zeus Ammon to right, with ram's horn in his hair and over the diadem / BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠTOΛEMAIOY, Eagle with closed wings standing left on thunderbolt; to left, cornucopia; between eagle's legs, ΔI.

Very Fine

Svoronos 1125; SNG Copenhagen 199–200.

The Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, spanning from 305 BCE to 30 BCE, was a Hellenistic fusion of Greek and Egyptian cultures. Established by Ptolemy I Soter, the ruling class, though of Greek descent, strategically embraced Egyptian customs to solidify their rule. Economically, the kingdom thrived through control of the Nile Delta, fostering agricultural prosperity and strategic trade routes connecting the Mediterranean and Red Sea. At its zenith, the Ptolemaic era was marked by intellectual achievements, notably the Library of Alexandria, a renowned center of scholarship that symbolized the era's commitment to learning. Notable rulers included Ptolemy II Philadelphus and Cleopatra VII, the latter's alliance with Roman leaders like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony contributing to the kingdom's eventual demise. Internal strife and conflicts with Rome, culminating in the Battle of Actium in 30 BCE, led to the defeat of Cleopatra and Antony, resulting in the annexation of Egypt by Rome. The Ptolemaic Kingdom's legacy lies in its cultural amalgamation, economic prosperity, and contributions to intellectual pursuits, shaping the broader context of Hellenistic civilization.