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Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Ptolemaic Dynasty: Identity, Succession, and Scholarly Debate

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Ptolemaic Dynasty: Identity, Succession, and Scholarly Debate Study Guide

Ptolemaic Royal Identity and Succession

According to the source, Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator's father was definitively Ptolemy VI Philometor.

Answer: False

Explanation: The parentage of Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator is a subject of scholarly discussion. While Ptolemy VI Philometor is a potential father, current consensus leans towards Ptolemy VIII Physcon as his father, with Cleopatra II being his mother.

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The traditional 20th-century reconstruction identified Ptolemy Neos Philopator as the first son of Ptolemy VI Philometor and Cleopatra II.

Answer: False

Explanation: The traditional 20th-century reconstruction identified Ptolemy Neos Philopator as the *second* son of Ptolemy VI Philometor and Cleopatra II, a designation that has since been challenged by scholarly reassessments.

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According to the traditional view, Ptolemy Neos Philopator reigned briefly with his father in 145 BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: The traditional scholarly interpretation posits that Ptolemy Neos Philopator exercised a brief co-regency with his father, Ptolemy VI Philometor, during the year 145 BC.

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Ptolemy Neos Philopator has been alternatively identified with Ptolemy Memphites, the son of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II.

Answer: True

Explanation: Based on scholarly reassessment, Ptolemy Neos Philopator has been identified with Ptolemy Memphites, who is understood to be the son of Ptolemy VIII Physcon and Cleopatra II, rather than Ptolemy VI Philometor.

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Ptolemy Memphites was integrated into the dynastic cult as Theos Neos Philopator after the reconciliation between Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra II.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the reconciliation between Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra II, Ptolemy Memphites was posthumously integrated into the dynastic cult, receiving the deified title Theos Neos Philopator.

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Ptolemy Memphites reigned as king during his lifetime, although his reign was brief.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ptolemy Memphites never reigned as king or co-ruler during his lifetime. His status was primarily that of a deified figure posthumously integrated into the royal cult.

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Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator belonged to the Seleucid dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which ruled Egypt, not the Seleucid dynasty, which ruled in the Hellenistic Near East.

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The succession box entry indicates Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator was succeeded by Ptolemy VI Philometor.

Answer: False

Explanation: The succession box entry indicates that Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator was succeeded by Ptolemy VIII Physcon and Cleopatra II, not Ptolemy VI Philometor.

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Who is identified as the mother of Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator?

Answer: Cleopatra II

Explanation: Cleopatra II is consistently identified as the mother of Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator, a key figure in the complex Ptolemaic succession.

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What did the traditional 20th-century scholarship believe about Ptolemy Neos Philopator's reign?

Answer: He reigned briefly with his father and was then murdered by his uncle.

Explanation: Traditional 20th-century scholarship generally held that Ptolemy Neos Philopator reigned briefly alongside his father, Ptolemy VI, and was subsequently assassinated by his uncle, Ptolemy VIII Physcon.

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Based on the reassessment, with whom has Ptolemy Neos Philopator been alternatively identified?

Answer: Ptolemy Memphites

Explanation: The scholarly reassessment has led to the identification of Ptolemy Neos Philopator with Ptolemy Memphites, the son of Ptolemy VIII Physcon and Cleopatra II.

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How was Ptolemy Memphites integrated into the dynastic cult after his death?

Answer: He was posthumously deified as Theos Neos Philopator following a reconciliation.

Explanation: Ptolemy Memphites was integrated into the dynastic cult through posthumous deification as Theos Neos Philopator, particularly after the reconciliation between Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra II.

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Was Ptolemy Memphites ever a reigning king or co-ruler during his lifetime?

Answer: No, he was never a reigning king or co-ruler, but was posthumously deified.

Explanation: Ptolemy Memphites never held the status of a reigning king or co-ruler during his lifetime; his significance lies in his posthumous deification and integration into the royal cult.

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According to the infobox data, to which dynasty did Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator belong?

Answer: The Ptolemaic Dynasty

Explanation: Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, the Macedonian Greek royal house that ruled Egypt for nearly three centuries.

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What does the succession box entry suggest about Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator's reign?

Answer: He reigned from 145 BC to 144 BC, potentially with Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II.

Explanation: The succession box entry indicates a potential reign for Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator from 145 BC to 144 BC, possibly as a co-ruler with Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II.

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Historical Sources and Scholarly Reassessment

The historical record pertaining to Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator is characterized by clarity and undisputed accounts of his reign.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, the historical record of Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator is marked by significant scholarly debate regarding his identity and reign, with many scholars questioning whether he formally ruled or was merely granted posthumous royal status.

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Ancient historians such as Justin and Diodorus Siculus provided extensive and detailed narratives concerning the life and reign of Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator.

Answer: False

Explanation: The information provided by ancient historians like Justin and Diodorus Siculus regarding Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator is described as succinct and potentially subject to distortion, necessitating careful interpretation rather than extensive, detailed narratives.

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Michel Chauveau's research supported the long-held belief that Ptolemy Neos Philopator was murdered by his uncle, Ptolemy VIII Physcon, in 145 BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: Michel Chauveau's research fundamentally challenged the traditional narrative, arguing against the notion that Ptolemy Neos Philopator was murdered by his uncle, Ptolemy VIII Physcon, in 145 BC.

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Michel Chauveau's reassessment concluded that the son of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II was never associated with the throne.

Answer: False

Explanation: Michel Chauveau's reassessment concluded that the son of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II was *not* associated with the throne in the manner traditionally understood (i.e., as a co-ruler or king in 145 BC or upon his father's death), but did not necessarily preclude any other form of association or role.

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Chauveau utilized evidence of double dating in regnal years to dispute the traditional timeline of Ptolemy VI's son's co-regency.

Answer: True

Explanation: Michel Chauveau employed evidence derived from double dating of regnal years, specifically the Year 36 = Year 1 dating in July-August 145 BC, to challenge the established chronology of Ptolemy VI's son's purported co-regency.

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According to Chauveau's findings, the surviving son of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II was murdered shortly after his father's death in 145 BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chauveau's analysis suggests that the surviving son of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II was not murdered in 145 BC. Instead, he likely served as an eponymous priest and was eliminated at a later period, possibly during the civil war.

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The reassessment by Chauveau directly contradicts ancient sources like Justin regarding the timing of the elimination of Ptolemy VI's surviving son.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chauveau's reassessment does not directly contradict ancient sources regarding the *fact* of elimination, but it does correct Justin's specific assertion about the *timing* of the elimination of Ptolemy VI's surviving son.

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Diodorus and Justin reported that Ptolemy Memphites was murdered and dismembered by his mother, Cleopatra II.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Diodorus and Justin recount the gruesome event of Ptolemy Memphites' murder and dismemberment, they attribute the act to his father, Ptolemy VIII, with the remains being sent to his mother, Cleopatra II.

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What constitutes the principal focus of scholarly debate concerning Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator?

Answer: The veracity of his actual reign versus posthumous royal designation.

Explanation: The central point of academic contention regarding Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator revolves around whether he exercised actual royal authority or if his status was merely a posthumous conferral of royal dignity.

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Which ancient historians are mentioned as sources for information on Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator?

Answer: Justin, Diodorus Siculus, Josephus, Livy, Orosius

Explanation: The primary ancient historians cited as sources for information concerning Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator include Justin, Diodorus Siculus, Josephus, Livy, and Orosius.

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How is the information provided by ancient sources about Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator described?

Answer: Succinct and possibly distorted, requiring inferences.

Explanation: The historical accounts from ancient sources regarding Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator are characterized as succinct and potentially distorted, necessitating careful inference and scholarly analysis for accurate understanding.

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Who is credited by the source with challenging the traditional reconstruction of Ptolemy Neos Philopator's identity?

Answer: Michel Chauveau

Explanation: The scholar Michel Chauveau is credited with undertaking a significant reassessment that challenged the prevailing traditional reconstruction of Ptolemy Neos Philopator's identity and reign.

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What key point did Michel Chauveau's reassessment make regarding the son of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II?

Answer: He was not associated on the throne with his father in 145 BC, nor did he become king upon his father's death.

Explanation: Chauveau's reassessment posited that the son of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II was not associated with the throne as a co-ruler in 145 BC, nor did he ascend to kingship upon his father's demise.

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According to Chauveau's analysis, what happened to the surviving son of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II?

Answer: He served as an eponymous priest and was likely eliminated later, possibly during the civil war.

Explanation: Chauveau's analysis suggests that the surviving son of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II served as an eponymous priest and was likely eliminated at a later point, rather than being murdered immediately after his father's death.

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What gruesome event involving Ptolemy Memphites is reported by Diodorus and Justin?

Answer: He was executed and dismembered by his father, Ptolemy VIII, and the remains sent to his mother.

Explanation: Diodorus and Justin report that Ptolemy Memphites was executed and dismembered on the orders of his father, Ptolemy VIII, with the remains subsequently sent to his mother, Cleopatra II.

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Ptolemaic Nomenclature and Iconography

The Hellenistic Greek name Ptolemaios Neos Philopator translates to "Ptolemy the Father-loving [God]".

Answer: True

Explanation: The Hellenistic Greek appellation Ptolemaios Neos Philopator indeed translates to "Ptolemy the Father-loving [God]", signifying a divine connection and filial devotion.

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Ptolemy Memphites received his by-name because he was born in Memphis.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ptolemy Memphites received his by-name not because he was born in Memphis, but because his father, Ptolemy VIII, was installed as pharaoh in Memphis around the time of his birth.

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Depictions of Ptolemy Memphites can be found on the walls of the Temple of Karnak.

Answer: False

Explanation: Preserved depictions of Ptolemy Memphites are not found at the Temple of Karnak, but rather on the exterior walls of the Naos of the Temple of Horus at Edfu.

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The reliefs at the Temple of Edfu depict Ptolemy Memphites as a figure of similar stature to Ptolemy VIII.

Answer: False

Explanation: The reliefs at the Temple of Edfu depict Ptolemy Memphites as a diminutive figure standing behind Ptolemy VIII, rather than as a figure of similar stature.

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The labels on the western exterior of the Edfu reliefs identify Ptolemy Memphites as the King's Eldest Son.

Answer: True

Explanation: The inscriptions accompanying the depiction of Ptolemy Memphites on the western exterior of the Edfu reliefs identify him as 'the King's Eldest Son'.

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The Edfu reliefs provide clear evidence of a formal co-regency between Ptolemy Memphites and his father, Ptolemy VIII.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite Ptolemy Memphites being depicted in royal attire and bearing royal titles on the Edfu reliefs, there is no attestation of any formal co-regency between him and his father, Ptolemy VIII.

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The reliefs representing Ptolemy Memphites at Edfu are dated to approximately 140 BC, before his death.

Answer: True

Explanation: The reliefs at the Temple of Edfu that depict Ptolemy Memphites are dated to approximately 140 BC or slightly earlier, placing them before his demise and subsequent deification.

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Using epithets and nicknames is the least reliable method for identifying specific Ptolemaic rulers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Conversely, referencing Ptolemaic rulers by their epithets and nicknames is considered the most reliable method for unambiguous identification, as numerical sequences are often inconsistent.

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The epithet Neos Philopator signifies "the Old King".

Answer: False

Explanation: The epithet Neos Philopator translates to "the New Father-loving God," not "the Old King."

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The ancient Egyptian name Pa netjer hunu meriyetef translates to "The divine youth, beloved of his father."

Answer: True

Explanation: The ancient Egyptian name Pa netjer hunu meriyetef, associated with Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator, indeed translates to "The divine youth, beloved of his father."

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Why did Ptolemy Memphites receive his by-name 'Memphites'?

Answer: His father, Ptolemy VIII, was installed as pharaoh in Memphis around his birth.

Explanation: The by-name 'Memphites' was conferred upon Ptolemy Memphites because his father, Ptolemy VIII, was installed as pharaoh in Memphis during the period proximate to his birth.

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Where are the preserved depictions of Ptolemy Memphites located?

Answer: The Temple of Horus at Edfu

Explanation: Preserved iconographic representations of Ptolemy Memphites are found on the Temple of Horus at Edfu, specifically on its western and eastern exterior walls.

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What do the reliefs at the Temple of Edfu show regarding Ptolemy Memphites' representation?

Answer: Him as a diminutive figure wearing the double crown, standing behind Ptolemy VIII.

Explanation: The reliefs at the Temple of Edfu depict Ptolemy Memphites as a diminutive figure, adorned with the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, positioned behind Ptolemy VIII.

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What is notable about the representation of Ptolemy Memphites in the Edfu reliefs, despite his royal attire?

Answer: There is no attestation of any formal co-regency between him and his father.

Explanation: Despite being depicted with royal regalia and titles, the Edfu reliefs do not provide evidence of a formal co-regency between Ptolemy Memphites and his father, Ptolemy VIII.

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What is the approximate date of the Edfu reliefs that depict Ptolemy Memphites?

Answer: Around 140 BC or slightly earlier, before his death.

Explanation: The Edfu reliefs featuring Ptolemy Memphites are dated to approximately 140 BC or slightly prior, predating his demise and subsequent deification.

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What does the epithet 'Neos Philopator' signify?

Answer: The Father-loving God

Explanation: The epithet 'Neos Philopator' translates from Hellenistic Greek to 'the New Father-loving God,' denoting a specific aspect of the ruler's cultic representation.

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Ptolemaic Numbering and Chronological Ambiguities

The numbering of Ptolemaic kings is based on a consistent, universally agreed-upon historical sequence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The numbering of Ptolemaic kings is a modern convention that lacks universal agreement and consistency, often differing from older historical reconstructions and requiring careful cross-referencing.

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Ptolemy Eupator is an example of a co-ruler who is typically included in the traditional numbering of Ptolemaic kings.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ptolemy Eupator, a co-ruler, is often excluded from the traditional numbering of Ptolemaic kings, illustrating the inconsistencies and complexities inherent in these sequences.

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The numbering Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator and Ptolemy VIII Euergetes Physcon is considered accurate because it reflects their birth order.

Answer: False

Explanation: This numbering is considered problematic precisely because it does not accurately reflect birth order or chronological reign. Ptolemy VIII had earlier reigns that are often misnumbered in relation to Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator.

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In an alternative numbering system, Ptolemy VIII Physcon is sometimes numbered as Ptolemy VII.

Answer: True

Explanation: An alternative numbering convention exists where Ptolemy VIII Euergetes Physcon is designated as Ptolemy VII, reflecting the complexities and disagreements in historical sequencing.

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The numbering of Ptolemaic kings is an ancient convention consistently applied across all historical texts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The numbering of Ptolemaic kings is a modern convention, not an ancient one, and it is applied inconsistently across various historical sources and scholarly interpretations.

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Why is the traditional numbering of Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator and Ptolemy VIII Euergetes Physcon considered problematic?

Answer: Ptolemy VIII had already held reigns as co-ruler and sole ruler much earlier.

Explanation: The traditional numbering is problematic because Ptolemy VIII Euergetes Physcon had already undertaken reigns as co-ruler and sole ruler significantly earlier than the period implied by his numbering relative to Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator.

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What method does the source recommend to avoid confusion when identifying Ptolemaic rulers?

Answer: Referencing them by their epithets and nicknames.

Explanation: The source recommends using epithets and nicknames as the most reliable method for unambiguously identifying specific Ptolemaic rulers, thereby circumventing the ambiguities of numerical sequencing.

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In an alternative numbering system sometimes used, who is referred to as Ptolemy VII?

Answer: Ptolemy VIII Euergetes Physcon

Explanation: In certain alternative numbering systems, Ptolemy VIII Euergetes Physcon is designated as Ptolemy VII, reflecting the historical discrepancies in regnal lists.

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