Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A line of Macedonian rulers of Egypt: The Ptolemaic dynasty was a royal family of Macedonian Greek origin that governed the Hellenistic Kingdom of Egypt for nearly three centuries.

Usage

• The term Ptolemaic dynasty is used to refer to the specific historical period and the ruling family of Egypt after the death of Alexander the Great.
• It is always capitalized as it is a proper noun referring to a specific historical entity.

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Ptolemaic dynasty was the last ancient Egyptian dynasty.
  • Cleopatra VII was the final ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty.

Advanced Usage

• "Ptolemaic" as an adjective: The adjective form "Ptolemaic" is used to describe things related to this dynasty or its period.
  • The Ptolemaic era saw the construction of the famous Library of Alexandria.
  • He studies Ptolemaic coinage.

Variants and Related Words

• Ptolemaic (adj): Of or relating to the Ptolemaic dynasty or the astronomer Ptolemy.
  • The Ptolemaic system was a geocentric model of the universe.
• Ptolemy (n): The name of several kings in the Ptolemaic dynasty.
  • Ptolemy I Soter was the founder of the dynasty.

Synonyms

• The Ptolemies: A common synonym referring to the kings of this dynasty collectively.
  • The Ptolemies maintained Greek as the language of administration.

Related Phrases

• Ptolemaic Kingdom: The state ruled by the Ptolemaic dynasty.
  • The Ptolemaic Kingdom was a major center of Hellenistic culture.

Noun

1. an ancient dynasty of Macedonian kings who ruled Egypt from 323 BC to 30 BC; founded by Ptolemy I and ended with Cleopatra