From Amyrtaeus to Ptolemy

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This book explores Egypt's history from 404 BC to 305 BC, marked by significant transitions: the end of Persian control under native prince Amyrtaeus and the rise of Ptolemy I, heralding a new Macedonian dynasty. During this period, Egypt enjoyed independence under the pharaohs of the XXVIII-XXX dynasties, reaching its zenith during Nectanebo I and II. The wealth and power of these pharaohs are highlighted through their extensive building projects, detailed in the Catalogue of Buildings. The author, Agnieszka Wojciechowska, discusses the Second Persian Domination as a military occupation largely opposed by the Egyptian populace, who welcomed Alexander and his successors. The narrative goes beyond classical sources, incorporating Greek and Egyptian inscriptions, coins, papyri, and archaeological findings. Fourth-century papyri, primarily contracts and tax documents, reveal an economy and daily life largely unaffected by warfare, with a notable concentration in Upper Egypt, suggesting its more intensive development compared to the war-torn North. Additionally, evidence from coin hoards indicates a high prevalence of local imitations of Athenian drachms, reflecting increased monetization during the Macedonian era.