The reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (282-246 B.C.) would be the height of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, and his capital of Alexandria would become one of the most prosperous economic and intellectual centers in the world. Its wealth, in conjunction with Ptolemy's meddling in foreign affairs would invite conflict both from the neighboring Seleucid Empire in the 1s ... Show More
Today
113: The War of the Three Kings
Civil war continues to grip the Seleucid Empire, as Alexander I Balas is challenged by the young Demetrius II for the throne of Syria. Things come to a head when Ptolemy VI, tied by marriage to Balas through his daughter Cleopatra Thea, launches an invasion of Coele Syria. In Aug ... Show More
24m 44s
Oct 14
111: The Seleucid Empire - The Elephant in the (Throne) Room
With Antiochus IV Epiphanes’ death in Persia, the throne passed to the boy-king Antiochus V Eupator and his standing regent Lysias in 164. Between the Maccabean Revolt, would-be usurpers, and arrogant Roman emissaries, few of the kingdom’s subjects had faith in the ruling pair. T ... Show More
26m 10s
Nov 2021
The Hyksos - Foreign Kings in Ancient Egypt: Interview with Dr. Anna-Latifa Mourad
<p>Ancient Egypt didn’t exist in isolation from the world around it. Trade goods, ideas, and especially people flowed in and out over the millennia, but never more so than during the Second Intermediate Period, when a foreign dynasty of kings known as the Hyksos ruled much of Egy ... Show More
44m 35s