ahencyclopedia:

THE most successful Egyptian dynasty was that of the Ptolemies. Founded by Alexander the Great’s general Ptolemy I Soter in 305 BCE, Ptolemy was a Greek-speaking Macedonian, who made his rule in Egypt acceptable by adopting all the traditions and roles of the Pharaohs, and becoming a patron of the religious cults, (a policy which was followed by all the Pharaohs who succeeded him). 

Alexandria (named by Alexander the Great) became the capital of Egypt and soon became one of the most important cities in the ancient world. Known for its studies of the sciences, its lighthouse, and its great library, which was the largest in the world at the time. 

Various conflicts weakened the dynasty from the rule of Ptolemy IV Philopater, and from the year 168 BCE it was effectively a Roman protectorate. 

Cleopatra, the most famous of the Ptlomeies was born in 69 BCE and inherited the throne once her father had died. At first she shared the throne with her younger brother and husband, Ptolemy XIII, but soon became the sole ruler. Cleopatra was the first Ptolemy to become fluent in Egyptian, as well as her native Greek, and at least six other languages, making her a valued ruler and able to communicate with diplomats from multiple countries. 

Cleopatra had relationships with both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, having a son (Caesarion) with Caesar and three children with Mark Antony. In 32 BCE, Civil war broke out in Rome, with tensions rising between Antony and Octavian. Cleopatra and Antony’s armies were defeated by Octavian’s army in 31 BCE at the battle of Actium, and a year later they both committed suicide. 

With Cleopatra’s death came the end of the Ptolemy dynasty, and from 30 BCE Egypt became a Roman province. 

Read More About Cleopatra

Sources Used:

Chronicles of the Ancient World by John Haywood 

‘Ancient Egypt' 

and ‘Cleopatra VII’ by Joshua J. Mark on Ancient History Encyclopedia.