Ruler
Ptolemy I Soter
Founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty
305 – 282 BCE
King from 305 BCE, having governed Egypt as satrap since 323 BCE; co-ruler with his son from 285 BCE.
Biography
A Macedonian general and companion of Alexander, he took charge of Egypt after Alexander’s death and later declared himself king. He brought Alexander’s body to Egypt and promoted the cult of the god Serapis.
Key facts
Certainty: Established
Ptolemy seized Alexander’s body on its way to Macedon and brought it to Egypt.
- Günther Hölbl (2001) “A History of the Ptolemaic Empire” Routledge