The Last Dynasty

Ancient Egypt from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra

By: Toby Wilkinson

Narrated by: Julian Elfer

Alexander the Great and Cleopatra may be two of the most famous figures from the ancient world, but the Egyptian era bookended by their lives—the Ptolemaic period (305-30 BC)—is little known. In The Last Dynasty, Toby Wilkinson unravels the incredible story of this turbulent era.

Macedonian in origin and Greek-speaking, the Ptolemies presided over the final flourishing of pharaonic civilization. Wilkinson describes the extraordinary cultural reach displayed at the height of their power: how they founded new cities, including Alexandria, their great seaside residence and commercial capital; mined gold in the furthest reaches of Nubia; built spectacular temples that are among the foremost architectural wonders of the Nile Valley; and created a dazzling civilization that produced astonishing works of sculpture, architecture, and literature. Stunningly, he also shows how such expansionist ambitions led to the era's downfall. The Ptolemaic period was a time when ancient Egypt turned its gaze westward—in the process becoming the unwitting handmaid to the inexorable rise of Rome and the consequent loss of Egyptian independence.

Featuring a superb blend of first-rate scholarship and evocative narrative history, The Last Dynasty provides fresh insights into this overlooked period of history and its legacy in shaping the world as we know it.

©2024 Toby Wilkinson (P)2024 Highbridge Audio

Interesting history of an oft overlooked period

This is a good overview of the Ptolemaic period in Egypt, shown as in intersection of the Greek, Egyptian, and Roman worlds. It sheds light on how Greek and Egyptian people interacted during this period, as well as various efforts by rulers of this period to reconcile the groups (or not). It was interesting to hear about the melding of Greek and Egyptian religion, laws, and the different ways they reacted to their rulers. Greeks were put off by the king marrying his sister, Egyptians didn’t understand the fuss.

Since all the kings are named Ptolemy, it can be easy to lose track of where you are in the chronology (wait, are we talking about Ptolemy III or IV right now?). I’m sure this would be easier in writing. There are also some noticeable audio transitions, but nothing unpleasant. The recording is well done and easy to listen to at a good pace, I listened at 1.1 speed.

Don’t listen to this if you just want to hear about Cleopatra, there’s only a bit of that at the end. Do listen to it if you want to learn about the space between Alexander the Great and Cleopatra.