Dir Read in Greek Hist I

PERMISSION OF DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE STUDIES

The History of Ptolemaic Egypt This seminar examines the history of Ptolemaic Egypt (323-30 BC) with an emphasis on kingship/queenship and the relations between Greeks and Egyptians. We will cover the formation of the monarchy under Ptolemy I and II, Egyptian imperialism in the eastern Mediterranean under Ptolemy II and III, and the crisis of the kingdom under Ptolemy IV and V, revival and reconfiguration under Ptolemy VI and VIII, growing Roman influence, and the role of queens from Arsinoe II to the seven Cleopatras. Interspersed with these political topics will be thematic discussions of cultural, social, religious and economic history. Students will get an experience analyzing papyri and inscriptions as historical sources.