Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Historical ruler: Ptolemy II Philadelphus was the son of Ptolemy I Soter and the second king of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt.
   • Cultural patron: He is historically noted for his significant patronage of scholarship and the arts, most famously associated with the creation of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Ptolemy II expanded the Library of Alexandria, making it a center of learning.
  • The reign of Ptolemy II was a period of great cultural and economic prosperity for Egypt.

Advanced Usage

• "The era of Ptolemy II": refers to the historical period marked by his rule and its associated cultural achievements.
  • Many scientific texts were translated into Greek during the era of Ptolemy II.

Variants and Related Words

• Ptolemaic (adj): relating to the Ptolemaic dynasty or its rulers, including Ptolemy II.

  • The Ptolemaic kingdom was a major Hellenistic state.

• Philadelphus (epithet): a surname meaning "brother-loving," often used to distinguish Ptolemy II from other rulers named Ptolemy.

  • Ptolemy II Philadelphus fostered diplomatic ties with other kingdoms.

Synonyms

• Pharaoh (in the context of Egyptian rulers): a title for ancient Egyptian monarchs, though used anachronistically for Hellenistic kings like Ptolemy II.
• Monarch: a general term for a sovereign ruler.

Related Phrases

• Patron of the Septuagint: a common descriptive phrase highlighting his most famous scholarly patronage.
  • Ptolemy II is celebrated as the patron of the Septuagint.

Related Terms

• The Ptolemaic Dynasty: the Hellenistic royal family to which Ptolemy II belonged.
• The Library of Alexandria: the great library significantly developed under his patronage.

Noun

1. son of Ptolemy I and king of Egypt who was said to be responsible for the Septuagint (circa 309-247 BC)