I really enjoyed the history of the Ptolemies, I really didn't know anything about them and this worked well. It had that historical feel that I was looking for and it was researched really well. Guy de la Bedoyere was able to create a strong nonfiction book and can't wait for more.

As a Ancient History fanatic I really enjoyed this book! This book gives a really interesting background on the Ptolemaic dynasty and how the Roman and Greek world interacted with Egypt. most of the time people just hear that there was some interaction between Cleopatra and Marc Anthony but the mixing of the two cultures goes way further than that. I will say though that the start of the book kind of flung you in and did not set a scene. Felt like a text book (which I don't mind) but may be off putting to other people. Overall, I really liked it!

This is by far my favorite period of ancient history and this piece was both riveting and concise. I'll be reaching for this title more than a few times.

I love Egypt and to read a book about something that I love with all my heart hits different. Loved everything about this book. I rated it 4 stars.

As usual the author uses droll humor to discuss the modern myths about the Ptolemaic rulers (notably Cleopatra VII) while acknowledging that much of Egyptology is conjecture because of incomplete--come on, it happened a long time ago!--evidence. He emphasizes that, "in antiquity, especially Egypt, the symbolic always obscured the truth. What really happened was of secondary importance, or even irrelevant." It does make the reader consider the nature of, and societal/political uses for, "history." Recommended for all libraries.

An interesting look and Ptolemaic Egypt and the effect it had on Rome’s rise and the effect Rome’s rise had on Ptolemaic Egypt.