Ptolemy II Philadelphus

Ptolemy II Philadelphus was the second ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which was founded by his father Ptolemy I after the death of Alexander the Great. He reigned from 285 to 246 BCE, first as co-regent with his father and then as sole king. He expanded his kingdom through diplomacy and warfare, gaining control over Syria, Asia Minor, and the Aegean islands. He also faced challenges from the rival Seleucid and Antigonid dynasties, as well as internal rebellions and dynastic conflicts. He was a great patron of arts and sciences, and made Alexandria the cultural and intellectual capital of the Hellenistic world. He supported the construction of the Museum and Library of Alexandria, which became the center of learning and research for centuries. He also sponsored the translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek, known as the Septuagint, and the exploration of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. He was known for his lavish court and festivals, as well as his personal involvement in religious and cultic affairs. He married his sister Arsinoe II, who was also his co-ruler and a powerful political figure. He was revered by his subjects as a god, and was given the epithet Philadelphus, meaning “sibling-loving”, by the court poets. He was succeeded by his son Ptolemy III, who continued his father’s policies and achievements.