bgr_575134 - EGYPTUS - PTOLEMAIC KINGDOM - PTOLEMY III EUERGETES Drachme

EGYPT - LAGID OR PTOLEMAIC KINGDOM - PTOLEMY III EUERGETES

(246-221 BC)

Ptolemy III Euergetes (the Generous) is the son of Ptolemy II Philadelphus and Arsinoe, whose coinage he restored on magnificent octodrachms and divisionaries associating his parents and grandparents, Ptolemy I Soter and Bérénice. The pagid kingdom reached its apogee under his reign. In permanent conflict with the Seleucids, he invaded Asia Minor and pushed the Egyptian army to Media after the assassination of his sister Berenice, widow of Antiochus II. Troubles in Egypt where Berenice II was regent forced her to end her brilliant campaign and return to the kingdom. On his death in 221 BC, he left an important empire that dominated Syria and southern Asia Minor in addition to Egypt.