Berenice II and the Golden Age of Ptolemaic Egypt

This book presents a nuanced exploration of Berenice II, a powerful queen whose influence shaped the cultural landscape of Ptolemaic Egypt.

In Berenice II and the Golden Age of Ptolemaic Egypt, Dee L. Clayman delves into the life of Berenice II, a queen who played a pivotal role in the tumultuous period following the death of Alexander the Great. Born around 264 BCE, Berenice was the daughter of King Magas of Cyrene and the wife of Ptolemy III Euergetes. Despite her initial isolation and the stigma of murder that surrounded her, she emerged as a formidable figure in Ptolemaic Alexandria. Her reign was marked by significant cultural and political achievements, making her one of the most influential Macedonian queens of her time.

Berenice II was not only a political leader but also a patron of the arts. She became a central figure among poets and intellectuals of her era, including Callimachus, whose works celebrated her charisma and influence. The poetry inspired by Berenice helped to project her image across the Greek-speaking world, yet her story remains largely untold in contemporary narratives. Clayman meticulously assembles the fragmented historical evidence to paint a vivid portrait of a woman who wielded immense power and charm.

The book offers an insightful exploration of how Berenice II navigated the cultural landscapes of both Greece and Egypt. By leveraging her access to these rich traditions, she was able to achieve honors that rivaled those of her male counterparts. Berenice II and the Golden Age of Ptolemaic Egypt ultimately reveals a queen whose legacy has been overshadowed, yet whose life was marked by remarkable accomplishments and influence.