Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria

Presenter: David Garland
Entry: Free

Synopsis

The Greek Ptolemaic Dynasty ruled Egypt from 305 BCE to 30 BCE.  Based in their new capital Alexandria, the Ptolemies had the vast resources of Egypt at their disposal, and not only inherited an ancient system of administration with which to control these resources, but also sought to adapt and increase the scope of this bureaucracy to suit their own purposes.

This presentation will focus in particular on the innovations made by Ptolemy II Philadelphus (ruled 283-246 BCE), who established Greek as the language of his administration and promoted elements of the ancient Greek economic life in Egypt, from coinage to the cultivation of certain crops to methods of taxation. 

Particular attention will also be given to the use of economic resources as a political tool of the Ptolemaic kings, both in terms of foreign relations and internal control.

Biography

David Garland is a PhD Candidate in Archaeology, Ancient History, and Classics at Monash University.  In his dissertation he seeks to explain the aims and effects of the economic policies of the early Ptolemaic kings.  His research interests include the interplay between the economic and political structures of the ancient Greek and Roman Worlds, and he has a passion for classical languages, literature, and philosophy.

Sponsors

We would like to thank Nick Dallas and George Galanopoulos for sponsoring tonight’s lecture. Such initiatives assist us in providing these lectures free to the public. If you would like to participate as a sponsor from as little as $100 please send us an email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

We would also like to thank our corporate sponsor: