The Hellenistic World From Alexander to the Roman Conquest Aselection of ancient sources in translation Second augmented edition M. M, AUSTIN Honorary Senior Lecturer in Ancient History University of Se Andcews7 The Ptolemies and Egypt ‘While sharing feacures common to all the monarchies of the age, the Prole- Iaic dynasty was peculiar in several respects because of is location in Egypt and its position in the world of the time. The monarchy was double- faced and thus ambiguous in character; the culers were successors to the Pharaohs in Egypt, but at the same time Greek-style kings in a wider international context. The availability of a wealth of evidence from Egypt, especially papyi, which supplements Greek literary and epigraphic sources, means also that Peolemaic history is more fully documented than that of its rival Based in an ancient land with a strong identity, che Prolemies could not ‘avoid adapting to Egyptian traditions of monarchy and conciliating the pow- ‘erful native prissehood (271, 276, 283). The occasional incidence of brother sister martiagein the dynasty may have refleeced Egyptian influence (254 0.) ‘The foundation of Ptolemaic prosperity was the agricultural wealth of the shel- tered Nile vallzy (cf. esp. 255 and n. 2, 296-7, 319) and the labour of the Jarge Egyptian population (302, 313, 319, 324-5). Yer in parallel with this the Prolemies were seen as members of the inter- rational ‘royal club’, active in the wider Greek world (255 n. 4), anxious to patronise Greck culture (255, 292) and promote themselves to Greek audi- caces (256, 258), and involved in 2 protracted rivalry with the Antigonids in Macedon (61) and the Seleucids in Asia (for the so-called “Syrian Wars’ ch successively 163, 173, 266, 275, 193, 211). The kings of Egype liked to be called Macedonians, as in face they were,’ notes Pausanias (X.7.8, cf. VI3.1). The dynasty closely identified with Alexander (271 nn. 1 and 3), and intermatried not with Egyptians but with dynasties outside Egypt (173, 196, 211, 219). Manpower was imported to Egypt particularly from the Greek world (thougt cf. also 261), to setde in the two new cities Alexandria and Prolemais (292-3) and in the countryside of Egypr (294, 298), notably as military colonists (11, 314, 318). But no attempt was made to ‘hellenise’ the country as a whole, and Alexandria the new foundation, not Egyptian ‘Memphis, was che royal capital (292). Thanks mainly to papyri the Ptolemaic running of Egept, which combined imported Greck and traditional Egyptian ‘methods, is documented in considerable though fragmentary detail. Taxa- tion and reverses, a veritable obsession of the monarchy, figure prominently Ms es ‘The Prolemies and Egypt ——‘he Polemies and Eeypt (cf. 270, 278, 280 outside Egypt. and for Egypt esp. 290, 296-7, 319), administered by a pervasive bureaucracy steeped in paperwork (eg. 299, 309, 319, 325 and much of Parc I Prolemaic history is conventionally divided into an early period of oueward strength and prosperity, followed by a longer period of ‘decline’ the division, though not wholly false, is based intially on Polybius, for whom the reign of Prolemy IV marked a turning point (274, 277), Of the eatly rulers Ptolecay IL Philadelphus is much the most conspicuous in the record (254-5), cogether with his sister-wife Arsinoe (254 n, 1); itis also daring the reign of this ruler that papyri begin co survive in large numbers. After Ptolemy IV the monarchy lose its prominent position on the international scene, weakened by court intrigues (282) and dynastic struggles (286, 288, 290-1); it was challenged in various ways by Egyptians (277, 283-4), though nor overthrown by thera (236). The Remans, who had a long-standing association with the Ptolemaic dynasty, saved it from Seleucid intervention in 168 (211) and in 155 were made heirs to Ptolemy VIIPs kingdom (289). In the event the Prolemaic dynasty outlasted al its rivals and was the last to be absorbed into the Roman empire (291). This chapter is divided for convenience into two parts, each arranged chronologically. The firse deals with the history of the dynasty as a whole inside and ouside Egypt (254-91) and the second with aspects of the Prole- ‘maic running of Egypt (292-326). It goes without saying that the division is somewhat arbitrary and that 2 number of texts could be placed in either category; itis unrealistic to draw clear distinctions berween ‘external’ and “incernal’histery. | THE PTOLEMIES IN EGYPT AND THE WIDER WORLD 254 Ptolemy II Philadelphus ‘The following passage is one of several historical digestions inserted by Pause nia in ccnnection with Athenian monuments described by him in his guide- book on Greece (also 28, 100). The individuals singled out for treatment usually hed some special connection with Athens eflected in monuments buile by them ot in their honour: Atalus I (1.8.1), Lysimachus (56), Pyrshus (L11— 13), Selencus {(.16), and especially several Prolemaic rulers (6-7, 9.1-3). austnias comments: "The Egyprian rulers ((e. the Peoleries) received theit honours ‘from the Athenians) chrough sincere respect and because they were genuine benefacrors, while Philip and Alexander received theirs through fat- tery on the patt of the people, since they dedicated a statue for Lysimachus not so much our of goodwill a because they chought this would serve an immediae purpose’ (1.9.4). The outline below ofthe reign of Polen Tire 254 Protemy Il Philadelphue such, For other aspects of this many-sided ruler cf. 255, 258, 261-3 with E.G. Turner in CAH VIL? (1984), 136-41; forthe administration of Egypt cf 296-7. On the Prolemies and Athens cf 55, 61-2 and C. Habicht, Cla sical Ansiguity \1 (1992), 68-90; Habiche (1997), 182-4, 220-2. On the value and limitations of Pausanias as a historical source cf. Habicht (1985), 95-116. ‘This Ptolemy (Prolemy 11 Philadelphus) was in love with Arsinoe,! his sis- ter from both parents, and married hes, thus actng in violation of Mace- donian customs but in conformity with the customs of the Egyptians he ruled.? Secondly he executed his brother Argaeus who was plotting against hhim, as the story goes,> and it was he who brought down the corpse of Alexander from Memphis;‘ he also killed another brother, who was born from Eurydiee, on discovering that he was inciting the Cypriots to rele? ‘Then Magas, half-brother of Ptolemy, who had >ecn placed in charge of (Cyrene by his mother Berenice — he had been born2 to Berenice from Philip, 4 Macedonian but one of no repuce and frome the sommon people — Magas caused the people of Cyrene co revolt from Ptolemy and marched against Egypt (2) Prolemy fortified the approaches to Egypt and faced the Cyrenean attack, but while Magas was on his way he was informed of a revolt by the Marmaridae, a tribe of Libyan nomads. He then retreated to Cyrene, Proemy desermined ro fllow him in pursuit, bu vas held back forthe ol lowing reason. Ar the time he was prepating to resist the attack of Mag se ented a namter of mercenaries, ee ete lc discovered that they were plotting to seize contol of Egypt, and so cook them through the iver toa deserted island, where they pee cer eet internecine fighting or through hunger. (3) Magas was already mattied *0 Apama, daughter of Antiochus (1) the son of Seleucus (1); he persuaded Antiochus to break the treaty* concluded berween his father Seleucus and Prolemy (1) and to invade Egypt. As Antiochus wa setting out on his inva- sion, Ptolemy sent forces against all Anciochus’ subjects, partly freebooters to overrun the land where resistance was weak, and rartly armies to keep the stronger in check; the result was thac Antiochus never even hada chance to ‘march against Egypt. This Prolemy, as I have sid before, sent a fleet to assist the Athenians against Antigonus (Gonatas) and the Macedonians, though this did very ltele wo save the Athenians.” His children were not from, Atsinoe (ID) his sister, but from Arsinoc (I) the daugater of Lysimachus. It so happened that his siseer who had martied him had died before this without Jeaving any children, and there is distce in Egypt called the Arsinoite nome after her. 1°Be ‘The Prolemies and Beype 1. Arsigoe If Philelphus (¢316-270), the most conspicyous of all Pelemaic queens, reece frequent mention in many diferent coneexts cf 61 m4, 255, 274 ann. 2, 272, 295-6, S41. 4 and the suaiescollced in Melaeres (1998). On the disputed {question of het real influence ef S. Burstein in Adams and Bora (1982), 197-2125 Hazard (20001, 1~100, and 101-59 onthe rol of queens in Prolemac history. CE Plate 4.26 and27 2, Peolemy I was fest maried(€.285-3) to Arsinoe I, daughter of Lysimachus, from whom he had several children, including Prolemy Il, He chen maid his fll sister Assinoe Il (£276), though did not have chldeen by her. singe It had already been ‘marred to her bal-brother Polemy Cerauns (159 $8), which may have provided « precedent for Rolemy I, fany vas needed. Both Memnon and Pausanias emphasise the influence ef Egypian pracdce; ef. Fraser I (1972), 1176, 217; Ogden (1999), 73-80, 23. The mukiple matiges and children of Ptolemy [were an inevitable source of dynas- tic conflict, noably (1) the mariage to Euryice, daughter of Ancipater, in 322/1, fiom whom were born among odiersProlemy Ceraunus,subsequencl dispossessed in favour of Peolemy Il (57 ch, 62, 159 $8), perhaps Argus, as well asthe anonymous son mentioned below: and (2) the later marriage to Berenice, 2 rclative of Antpater, fiom whom wa born Arsinoe Il Philadeiphus, Prolemy Ii Philadelphus and another ‘daughter Philotera ¢f 273 n- 2,298 n. 3). Beenie herself had already children from ‘previous mariage, as mentioned below in the case of Mapas. See Ogden (1999), 68-73, 4, CF 29288. “There is no farher information on this; on Cyprus and the Prolemies f 285. 5. On Cyrene end che Polemies, cf, 29. Pausaias is che only source to provide any dell about thé evo fH, Heinen, CAH VIL? (1984), 416, (On the use of Galle (Celi) mercenaries, ef. 159 0.19. If there was a ‘reary’ benweenSeleucus I and Prolemy I its ems were a mace of space becwees the wvo dynasties later ef 183 and M. M. Austin, CQ 36 (1986), 461. On the ise Syrian War abo 163; Hus (2001), 265-71 9. On the Chremonidean Wat cf 61-2 10. The Fayum, a depresion co the south-west of Memphis, and an area of intensive Jand reclamation and setlemens under the Polemies, where numerous papyri have been found. CE map 7 and 298, 302-3, 306-7, 309, 314, 318, 325; D. J. Thamp- son in Bowman and Rogan (1995), 107-22 and 123-38; Manning (2003), 38, 99-125. 255 A poem ia praise of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (late 270s) ‘The Syracusin poet Theocrtus was active a che Alexandrian coure unde the reign of Ptolemy Il, The following isan example of offical poetry composed ‘under royal patronage forthe glorification ofthe rulers and the propagation of thei selPinage. See Fraser [ (1972), 666F, and Il, 933 (n. 388); Grfichs (1975), exp. 71-82; Hunter (2003). On the ambivalent relationship beeween smen of lecters and kings see generally G. Webes, Ancient Society 29 (1998-9), 147-74; 6 12, 322. 255, oem praising Prolemy TL [...] Zeus son of Cronus cares for august kings, bur pre-eminent isthe one whom Zeus has loved from the moment of his birch. Prosperity attends hima in abundance, and vas is che tericory he rules, and vast the sea, Countless countries, and countless nations, helped by the rain of Zeus, cause their crops to grow, but none is as productive a: the lowlands of Egype ‘when the Nile in flood warers and breaks up the soil? nor does any have as ‘many towns of men skilled in work. Three hundred cities are built there, then three thousand in addition co thirty thousand, and twice three and three times nine besides;? overall chese mighty Prolemy rules as king. In addition he cuts off for himselfa part of Phoenicia, Arabia, Syria, Libya and ofthe dark-skinned Ethiopians. He gives orders to all the Pamphylians, co the Cilician spearmen, to the Lycians and to the warlike Carians, and to the islands of the Cyclades, since his are the finest ships that sail the seas-* All the sea and land and the roaring rivers are culed by Prolemy, and about him gacher a host of horsemen and 2 host of shielded warriors, equipped with glitterng bronze.> In wealth he could outweigh all the kings, so great ae che riches that come chily rom everywhere to his opulent home;* his people go about their occupa- tions in security.” No enemy by land as crossed the teeming Nile to raise the battle cry in villages that do not belong to him, nor has he leaped in arms on 10 the shore from a swift ship wich hostile incent to seize the herds of Beypt. So greats che man who ceigns over the broad plains, fair-baired Ptolemy, a skilled spearman, who as a good king cares deeply for the preservation of his fatherly inberitance,* and adds to it himself. And yer in his wealthy house the gold does not lie useless in ples like the wealth ofthe ever-tiling ants. Much of iis received by the glorious homes of the gods? where he always offers frst fruits together with other offerings, and many are the gifts he has made to mighty kings, many o cities, and many to his trusted companions.'® Norhasany man ‘come to the sacred competitions of Dionysus," skilledin raising «harmonious song, to whom he has not presented a gift worthy of hisart. And so the spokes- men of the Muses (i.e. poets) celebrate Ptolemy in return for his benefactions. For a man blessed with wealth what more beautiful goa! could there be than cowin a good reputation among men? [...] Alone of men of former times and of those whose footsteps are sill warm in the dust they trod, he has founded temples fragrant (with incense) co his dear mother anc ro his fathers in these temples he has set up beautiful statues (of them) in gold and ivory, as helpers! to all men living on earth. And as the months come round he burns on the reddened altars many fat thighs of oxen, he and his noble wife, the best of women, who holds in her embrace her husband in :heir palace, cherishing ‘with all her heart her brother! and husband. (..] ‘Theocritus XVII, 73-130 449The Pelee and Eaype CF aio 2940, 3 2. Egypr, in che well-known formulation, was the git of the Nile’ (Herodotus IL}; references co the lifegiving food and the need to control irtgstion are naurally fiequent. CL 258, 271 I. 13-15, 288 ll. 24F, 292 $7, 304, 313, 319 ll, 169-73, 324 n, 4, 326; see generally Bowman and Rogan (1999); Manning (2003), 27-50, 189. and in Annales 57 (2002), 611-23, 3. ise. 33,835 (rillages rather than ‘res, but such serements ate untlible. CE leo Diodorus L317-8:'In ancient times Exyps) had move chan 18,000 large villages and cities, as one nay se from encries in their seered records, while under Prolemny son of [agus they nambered more than 3,000 Ie is suid that informer tines the total population was about seven million while even in our time ic i aot lst than three nillio.” On the population of Egypr ef. D. Rathbone, PCPS 36 (1990), 103-42 Manning (2003), 47-9. 4, Onthe empiz’ ofthe Prolemies outside Egype c. generally 256, 268, 274,278, 291 and forpartcalarareasct 29 (Cyrene),285 (Cyprus), 257, 269, 287 (Aegean islands), 259 (Mileus, 260 (Syria and Phoenicia), 262 (Red Sea), 265 (Crete), 267 (Catia), 269 (Theace), 270 (Lia), 272 (Cilicia). Theocritus' lie is nat sicly complete ot accurate. On the Prolemaic navy of. 258, 312 a. L 5. On the milicsy character ofthe Pealemies cf also 258, 266, 268, 274, 276, 6. On the wealth of the Puolemies ef. also 258, 292; generally Roxovezlf I (1941), 407-11, Prolemaic coins often display cornucopia as symbol of abundance ck. Plate 4.26, 28-30. (CE 258 (ase §), 274 (On this notien ct sso 162 (beginning), 195 0, 2, 221, 268, 274, CF. 209 n, 5,256 Il. 226, and for the Peolemiet relations with naive Egypuian cults cf 271, 276, 283, 290, 296 10. On royal munifcence of 111 and n, (4, and on che king’ eiends' ef 31 n. 3, 275 a2. 11, ie, dramatic stival, The Prolemies claimed descent from Dionysus, cf. 258, 268, and generally Fraser [ (1972), 201-7, For the Pralemies as partons ofthe arts cf. also 29258. 12, Antiochus I cid deiy his father Seleucus, cf. 200, but Ptolemy Tl went Further and deified his sicer-wife Arsinoe and himsel. For the dynastic cults ofthe Prolemies cf 256,258, 263, 271 and n.3, 283, 290 | 78, 296, and se generally Fasc I (1972), 213-46; Hulbl (2001), 90-105; L. Koenen in Bulloch etal. (1993), 25-115, with EW, Walbanc ibid, 120-4; Melaeres (1998). 13, Prolemy {and Berenice were deified as Thi Sten e'Saviout Gods 14, Literal: ef 258and n. 2 ves 256 Decree of the League of Islanders on the acceptance of the Prolemaieia (280) ‘The ‘League of Islanders’, which included che smaller islands of the central ‘Aegean (cl 1, 257) was founded by Antigonus the One-Eyed in 315/14 a part of his artemptco enlis the support ofthe Greek world (35). Ie was subsequently 450 EP ES rrr rere ae ee 256 Decree ofthe League of Islanders controlled by his son Demis Poliorcers before passing into rolemaic hands by 6.286 where it remained for some 30 year. The League is not mentioned in ‘stan trary soures and the evidence fri is purely epigraphic Like ocher Leagues founded under royal patronage (cf. 50), twas used aan instrument of royal onto. See1. 1. Meker, Historia 19 (1970), 161-60; Fasc (1972) 224, 251K; Bagnall (1976), 136-58; T. L. Sheas, espa Supplement 17 (1978), 30-44, Fora lower dating ofthis insripcion (263, ef Harrard (2000), 47-58 and 168-75 [Resolved] by che delegates (gedioi) ofthe Isandess; concerning the matters about which (Philocles] king of the Sidonians! and Bacchon the [nesiarch? ‘wrote] to the cities, that chey should send delegates 0 Samos to / discus the (question of the) sacrifice, the sacred envoys (dheorei) and the contest which King Ptolemy (ID is insticating in honour of his father in Alexandria,‘ to be equal in rank with the Olympic Games fand (concerning which)] Philocles and Bacchon have {now conversed] with the [delegates} who have atsived from the cities, be it / resolved by the common body (kvinon) of the delegates, since King Prolemy (1) Soter (the Saviour) has been responsible for many great blessings co the Islanders and the other Greeks, having liberated the ities restored their laws, / re-established to all chzir ancestral constitution and remitted® ther axes, aud (since) now King Peolemy (11) having inherited the kingdom from his ather, continues to show the sme goodwilland concern for the Islanders and / the other Greeks, and is offering a sacrifice in honour of his father and instituting a gymnastic, musical and equestrian contest to bbe equal in rank with the Olympic Games, preserving his (piry] towards the gods’ and maintaining his goodwill cowards his {ancestors}, and (since) for this purpose he is inviting / [the] Islanders and the other Greeks to [vote] that the contest should be equal in rank with the Olympic Games, and (since) it is fitting chat all the Islanders, who were che [first] tc have honoured Prolemy Soter with godlike honours! [both because) of his (public benefactions) and because of his [services] to individuals, should collaborate [in other matters ‘with King] Ptolemy (1) at his invitation and should now (vote with all] zeal in accordance with [his wish. to grant] worthy honouss/[... of] cheit goodwill, [vo accepel the sacrifice and {co send} the sacred envoys at the [appropriate season for] alltime to come, as instructed by the kirg; and) that the contest should be equal in rank with the Olympic Games, and thac the victors / [ftom the Islanders) should enjoy the same honours which are (written down in] the laws among each of the Islanders for the victors at che Olympic Games: and co crown king Prolemy son of King Prolemy Sosse with a (golden) crown for merit ! (worth) a thousand staers, for his excellence and his goodwill towards the Islanders, and chat che delegates should inscribe chis decree on a 451 10 1s 20 25 30 35 4555 60 The Polemies and Eeype stone stele and (set it up at} Delos next to the altar of (Ptolemy) Sore. {Ln} the same way et the cities participating in che couneit (gmtedrion) pass this / resolution, imetibe it on stone stelae and consecrate i in the sanctuaries in which the other honours are inscribed in each city. The delegates shall appoint three sacred envoys to go / to Alexandria, sacrifice to Prolemy Soter con behalf of the League (Foinon) of Islanders and hand over (thel crown co the king. The money for the crown, for the jouirey and expenses of che sacred envoys shall be contributed by the cities, each / [according to] its share, and they shall give it to che person (designated by Bacchon]. Glaueon of [Cythnus, .. of] Naxos, Cleocritus of Andros were appointed sacred envoys, Spll? 390; Burstein 92 1, Ahellenised nue of Sidon lied to the Polemies and admital of thei es 155, BD 73 and Hees, op, it 143-50; Baal (1976), index Pills; M. Wel, Chiron 8 (1278), 225-0. 2. On Becchon cf 257 and Metke, pct. 150-2; Bagel (1976), index Bacchos J. Rigs. Af? 101 (1980), 194-6. The ‘sac was probably coal apoinece wo acted the kings delegate towards te islanders is not clear hate was subordinateto Plates he admiral 3. The council ofthe Lagu wualymeton Delos itistot leat nee San atl base of the Poems, formally belonged wo the League (Bagoall (1976), 80 and n 2) C32, 165, 4, ive the quinquennisl Pcemaiee, cf $5, 182, UAL, 255 on. 12 and 13,258, 294 15. The anempe eo raise the star ofthe Polemite ro equal that of che Olympic ‘Games and w involve the Greek word init celebration was fr mors ambitious than anything prctied by the other Helens monarchies. 5. reference w Polemy Ts campaigns in Greece andthe Aegean in 310-308 when he posed a ‘chompion ofthe Grek’ (35 snd 9). 6, The Grek word could mean eicher lighten’ or remove’, cf Meskes op city 151 a % 7. £255.09 8 Presumably sherfoe ear han Rhodes (47()); feo 265 and se gency 39, 257 Dectee of Naxos in honour of the Prolemaic ‘nesiarch’ and the island of Cos (¢,.280) See Bagal 1976) index dies esp. 282: Sherwin: White (1978), 90-108 on Cos ard Polen I Phildelphus [Since Bacchoa son of Nicetas, the ‘nesiarch’,' came to the city of Cos? in accordance wih the instructions of King] Ptolemy (ID) and (the League of S 258 ‘The great procession at Alexandria Islanders, and asked for] judges and [arbitrators to] decide on the contracts which were (dispured).? and the city of [Cos] sent excellent men, [who ‘came to us and concerning the disputes arising [ftom the contracts] and the ‘other [matters entrusted] to them by the city, reconciled {advantageously the] _majoriy ofthe disputants by {inviting] / chem many imes before them, while they gave a verdict for the others with all [justice], and as they had spent {much} time fon} the lawsuits and the {judges} wished {to go back] to their hhomes, [our] peopl /{invited] them together with Eacchon [the nesiarch] to stay [in the city o7: with us] and to fassise] the Nasians by carrying out [to the end] che [other matters entrusted to them], anc they being desirous fof doing usa favour in these matters] as well / showed every zal for our people in order to carry out everything] in a way worthy [of both our cites and of the mission entrusted to them ...}! Holleaux, Etudes UI (1942), 27-37 fragment A; OGIS 43 1. The restoration is virtually certain; on Bacchon and the League of Islanders ef 256, 2. On Cos and the Peolemies cf. also 153; Prolemy II was bor there, ef 1 $19. 3. On this institution of. 155. 4 Fragment B (from che same decre?) records honours vored to the judges From Cos. 258 The great procession at Alexandria (279/8?) “The following passage, reproduced by Athenacus om a work by Callixinus cof Rhodes entided On Alewendria (PGrH 627; cf. Fraser I (1972), 513 and IL, 7381. n. 152), describes a procesion held in Alexandria which may have been part of celebration of the Paolemceis (256) inthe 270s, nd perhaps the fst ‘one in 279/8, though both identification and date have been disputed, Like the procession staged by Antiochus IV at Daphne over a century later (213), the celebration was an asertion of Prolemaic powerand wealth, and was aimed inthe fest instance a the Greek world. See Fase (1972), index 5% Polemy Philadelphus, ‘Pompe’ (vol. Il, p. 65): Rice (1983) with BW. Walbank, LCM 9 (1984), 52-4 and Walbank (2002), 79-90, esp. 81-5; D. J. Thompson in “Moozen (2000), 365-88; Hazzard (2000), 59-79 (dates the procession to 262); ‘von Reden in Meadows and Shipton (2001), 66-70. ‘After speaking of very many other things and enumerating herds of animals, he (Callixinus of Rhodes) adds: 130 Ethiopian sheep, 300 Arabian, 20 Euboeans 26 Indian oxen, all white, eight Ethiopian, one large white she-bear, 14 leop- fs 1 pases four ye three young panther, one ihnpan thinoceros.' Next, on a fous-wheeled cariage Dionysus” at the altar of Rhea, having taken refuge when pursued by Hera, with a golden crown, and Priapus 10 15‘The Pelemies aad Ep standing next to him wearing golden ivy crown. (Then) statues of Alexandes? and Prolemy, wearing ivy crowns made of gold. The statue of Virtue standing next to Proleny, had an olive crown made of gold, Priapus stood nexcto them with a golden ivy crown, The city of Corinth,* standing next to Ptolemy, vwas crovned with a golden diadem. Beside all these were placed a stand for dining vesseb full of golden cups and a golden mixing bow with a capacity of five measures. This four-wheeled carriage was followed by women wearing expensive clothes and ornaments; chey were given the names of cities, some from Tonia and the rest the Greek cities which were established in Asia and she islands and had been under Persian rule; they all wore golden crowns. On other four-wheeled carts were cartied a (Bacchic) chyrsus of gold, 90 cubits long (= 135 fi) and a silver lance 60 cubits long (= 90 f.), and on another cone golden phallus 120 cubits long (= 180 f), painted over and bound with golden filles, with a gold star at its extremity, che circumference of which was six cubits (= 9 fi) ‘Though che chings that have been mentioned in these processions were many and varied, we have selected only chose which contained gold and silver. For there were many objects displayed worth mentioning, a multicude of wild animalsand horses, ad 24 huge lions, And there wete other four-wheeled carts «carrying not only statues of kings but many of gods as well. ..] (202F) After these marched che cavalry and infantry, all of chem equipped in wonderful fashion. The infantry numbered about 57,600, and the cavalry 23,200, All of these rook part in the procession wearing each theie appropriate uniform and the panoply suitable to each,’ But apart from the panoplies these troops ‘were all wearing, there were very many others stored away. Merely to set down the number of them is not easy; but Callixinus gave a lis. ‘In the contest ‘men were honoured with gold crowns and even with statues. Prolemy (1) was the first, then Berenice, and they were honoured with three statues in golden chariots and with sacred precinets at Dodona. The total expense in ~Rhodian> currency amounted to 2,239 talents and 50 minas, and all this money was courted to the officials in charge before the end of the spectacle thanks to the enthusiasm of those who awarded the ctowns. Prolemy (I) Philadelphus their son (was honoured with) two golden statues in chariots of gold, mounted on columns one of six cubits (= 9 fi, five of five cubits (= 7%, 2) and six of four cubits (= 6 f).” ‘What monarchy [| has ever been so rich in gold2S Certainly not any that seized the wealth of the Persians and of Babylon, or worked mines, or owned the Pactolus (in Lydia) which carries down gold dust. Ie is only the Nile, a river truly called ‘streamning with gold’, which with its unlimited provision of food carries down pure gold which is harvested without dangen’ so that all ‘men have sufficient supplies, (gold) chat in the manner of Triptolemus is sent 454 a 259 Lewer of Ptolemy Ito Miles forth to every land. [.. ] Philadelphus surpassed many kings ia wealth, and applied himselfenthusiastically to all kinds of equipment, so that he surpassed allin the number of ships as well. The largest ships he tad were two ‘thirties’ one ‘twenty’, four ‘thirteens, two ‘twelves’, fourteen ‘evens’, thirty ‘nines’, thirty-seven ‘sevens’, five ‘sixes’, and seventeen ‘Gves.® He had twice as many ships ranging from ‘fours’ to war galleys (@). The ships sent co the islands and to the other cities he ruled? and to Libya numbered more than 4,000. Nexd L even mention che number of volumes, the building of libraries and the gathering at the Museum," when these things are ia everyone’s memory? Athenacus, Deipnosophistae V. 201b~f, 202f-703e (= Callixinus of Rhodes FGrHY 627 F 2) 1. For Polemy IV's nerest in animals cE. 265, 281, £255. I (On the Polemis’ exploitation ofthe Fame of Alexander cf 271 n. 1 ic. a personification, symbolising perhaps the Greele mainlin £255 and n 5, CE.255 and n.6. On the Peolemies’ gold mines ef 264. CE 255, nn.2 and 7. ‘The exact eype of ships involved are uncertain. They probsoly had several rowers per ‘oat (up co 8), and in some case superimposed banks of oas (up to 3), and the very langest ship (che ‘hirey’ andthe wendy’) may have been double-hulled, Pelemny IIs feet represented the culmination ofthe naval ‘ems ace’ which foutished in che early Hellenistic period, See Casson (1971), 97-123, 137-40: Neigs (1983), 136-9. 9. CE255 n.d 10. CE 261, 292658 259 Letter of Prolemy II co Miletus (¢.262/1) See 175 and Bagnall (1976), 173-5; Ma (1999), 416 King Prolemy (I) to the council and people of Miletus, greetings. I have previously showed all zal on behalf of your city, both through a gift of land? and by showing concern in all other matters, as was fitting since I saw that our father was favourably disposed to your city /and had been the cause of many 5 benefits to you, as he had released you from harsh and burdensome taxes and from harbour duties which some of the kings had imposed.* And now es your have preserved dutifully your city and your friendship and alliance with us? ~ for my son and Callicrates‘ and my other ‘fiends? who are with you® have written about the display / you have made of your goodwill rowards us—we 10 acknowledge this and give you unstinted praise, and we shall try co epay the people with benefactions, and we urge you to preserve for the future the same