Ancient Worlds - BBC Two Episode 4 “Return of the King”In the wake of Ptolemy’s I&
Ancient Worlds - BBC Two Episode 4 “Return of the King”In the wake of Ptolemy’s I takeover of Egypt (around 323 BC), an estimated 150.000 Greeks moved to Alexandria to be close to this new source of power and patronage. Alexandria became the capital city and a major center of Greek culture (Greek was the official language under the Ptolemies) and trade. The traditional gods were still worshipped but new gods were also introduced, like Serapis, a composite of several Egyptian and Hellenistic deities.The Ptolemies were generous supporters of artists, and they used their freedom to treat the human form with daring realism. For the first time, there were museums and great libraries, such as those at Alexandria (Great Library of Alexandria) and Pergamon. Marble was a fantastic medium for showing the human form. Some of the best known sculptures from the ancient world are products of this period. The Roman province of Egypt was established in 30 BC after Octavian (later emperor Augustus) defeated Mark Antony, deposed his lover Queen Cleopatra VII and annexed the Ptolemaic Kingdom to the Roman Empire.Several exquisite pieces dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras were discovered during excavations in the site of the construction of the New Library of Alexandria. These works reflect the rich, multi-cultural history of Egypt with its Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic heritage. Antiquities Museum, Alexandrine Library, Alexandria, Egypt -- source link
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