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Greek Rule (332-30 BC) :
After centuries of upheaval and foreign incursions, Egypt was in
disarray when Alexander established his own Pharaonic
rule, reorganizing the country's government, founding a new capital
city of Alexandria and validating the religion of the pharaohs.
Upon his death in 323BC, the empire of
Alexandria was divided among his Macedonian generals. Ptolemy I thus
established the Ptolemaic Dynasty which ruled Egypt for three
centuries.
Under the Ptolemys Greek became the official language of Egypt
and Hellenistic culture and ideas were introduced and synthesized with
indigenous Egyptian theology, art, architecture and technology.
The Ptolemy's synthesis of religious ideas resulted in the
construction of the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, among
other sacred structures. Alexandria became a great capital, housing
one of history's greatest libraries.
Gradually Ptolemaic rule was subverted by internal power struggles and
foreign intervention. The Romans made inroads into Ptolemaic Egypt,
supporting various rulers and factions until attaining total control
over the country when Julius Caesar's armies attacked Alexandria.
Queen Cleopatra VII was the last of the Ptolemaic rulers who reigned
under the protection of the Caesar with whom she had a son. With the
assassination of Caesar, Mark Anthony arrived in Egypt and fell in
love with Cleopatra, living with her for 10 years and helping
Egypt retain its independence. The fleets of Octavian Caesar destroyed
the Egyptian navy in the battle of Actium, driving Anthony and
Cleopatra to suicide and Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire.
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