Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285–246 bc)

Ptolemy I ruled with his younger son, Ptolemy II, from 285 bc until his death in 282 bc. Ptolemy II earned the title Philadelphus (“brother-loving”) when he divorced his first wife, Arsinoe I, and married his sister, Arsinoe II, whom he appointed as co-ruler. The ancient Egyptian custom of marrying a sibling became a practice among many Ptolemaic rulers. All subsequent male rulers assumed the name “Ptolemy,” while all female monarchs of this dynasty assumed the name “Cleopatra.”

The Ptolemaic dynasty reached the zenith of its power during Ptolemy II’s reign (Hengel, “Political and Social History,” 53). A gifted administrator, Ptolemy II devoted most of his energy to the internal affairs of Egypt, although he also expanded control into other areas. He continued his father’s policy of allowing the Jews religious autonomy. He also freed the Jews whom his father had enslaved.

Ptolemy II managed to retain control of Palestine and Syria during the First Syrian War (274–271 bc) against Antiochus I. However, he lost some territory to Antiochus II in the Second Syrian War (260–253 bc; Green, Alexander the Great, 82–83). The two leaders forged an arrangement whereby Antiochus II agreed to marry Ptolemy II’s daughter, Berenice, and will disputed territory to their son. However, Berenice and her child were murdered just before Ptolemy II’s own death (Dan 11:6; Bevan, House of Ptolemy, 189).