This emphasis of this course deals with the history of Egypt under the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty (323-30 BC) of the Hellenistic period following the death of Alexander the Great down to the death of the famed Queen Cleopatra VII. Its main focus is political and military history, but various social and economic aspects of Egyptian society, including an exploration of the foundations, evolution, continuity, and transformation of Egyptian religion and monarchy from old Egypt through the Ptolemaic period. Topics include: the legacy of old Egypt in the Hellenistic period, Alexander the Great’s conquest of Persia (including Egypt) and his influence on the Successors; the establishment of the Ptolemaic dynasty by Ptolemy I, the reigns of Ptolemy I to Cleopatra VII, with special focus on Cleopatra; Egyptian society; Alexandria; and the legacy of the portrayals Cleopatra in the context of Roman imperialism. Recommended: HIST 3505.