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Ptolemaic Puzzles

A scholarly exploration into the contested identity and legacy of Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator, an Egyptian pharaoh of the Ptolemaic dynasty.

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Identity

Historical Ambiguity

The identity and precise role of the individual known as Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator remain subjects of considerable historical debate. Our understanding is primarily derived from fragmented and potentially biased accounts by ancient historians such as Justin, Diodorus Siculus, Josephus, Livy, and Orosius. These sources provide conflicting narratives regarding his parentage and whether he ever truly reigned.

Potential Parentage

Scholarly consensus has shifted over time. Historically, Ptolemy VII was often identified as the second son of Ptolemy VI Philometor and Cleopatra II, purportedly co-ruling briefly with his father and then succeeding him in 145 BC, only to be murdered by his uncle, Ptolemy VIII Physcon. However, more recent reassessments, notably by Michel Chauveau, suggest this identification is problematic. Chauveau's research indicates that the surviving son of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II was not associated with the throne in 145 BC and was likely not murdered at that specific juncture. This has led to an alternative identification with Ptolemy Memphites, the son of Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra II.

Reassessment and Ptolemy Memphites

The revised interpretation posits that Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator is, in fact, Ptolemy Memphites, born around 143 BC to Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra II. According to this view, Memphites was tragically murdered and dismembered by his father on Cyprus, with his remains sent to his mother. Following a later reconciliation between Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra II, Ptolemy Memphites was posthumously integrated into the dynastic cult as "Theos Neos Philopator" (The New Father-loving God). This deification, rather than a true reign, may explain his inclusion in royal lists and the epithet "Neos Philopator."

Depictions

Temple of Edfu Reliefs

Two significant reliefs at the Temple of Horus at Edfu are believed to depict Ptolemy Memphites, identified as Ptolemy VII. In these scenes, the god Thoth presents the king with symbols of eternity. The accompanying inscriptions label the figure as the king's heir and beloved son, with his name inscribed in a royal cartouche. These reliefs, dated to around 140 BC, predate his likely death and subsequent deification, offering a visual representation of his status within the royal family.

Statue Head

A granite statue head, likely representing Ptolemy VII, is preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. This artifact provides further visual evidence, though its precise attribution remains part of the ongoing scholarly discussion surrounding his identity and historical significance.

Numbering Controversy

The Challenge of Succession

The numbering of Ptolemaic rulers is a complex issue, often complicated by co-regencies and the inclusion of individuals in dynastic cults rather than actual reigns. The traditional numbering system, established before critical reassessments of sources, assigned Ptolemy VII to the son of Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II, who supposedly reigned in 145 BC. This numbering placed Ptolemy VIII Physcon as Ptolemy VIII, despite his earlier reigns.

Re-evaluating the Sequence

The reassessment by scholars like Chauveau suggests that if Ptolemy Memphites is indeed Ptolemy VII, then Ptolemy VIII Physcon should correctly be numbered as Ptolemy VII. However, to avoid widespread confusion and potential disruption to established historical references, many scholars continue to use the traditional numbering, acknowledging its inaccuracies. This discrepancy highlights the importance of using epithets (like "Neos Philopator" or "Physcon") for unambiguous identification of Ptolemaic rulers.

Dynastic Connections

Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator belongs to the broader context of Hellenistic monarchies. Understanding his place requires examining the complex web of dynasties that ruled across the Eastern Mediterranean following Alexander the Great's conquests.

Authority Control

Bibliography

Primary Sources

Key historical accounts providing information on Ptolemy VII include:

  • Diodorus Siculus, Bibliotheca historica (translated by F. R. Walton).
  • Josephus, Contra Apionem (translated by H. S. J. Thackeray).
  • Justin, Epitome of the Philippic History of Pompeius Trogus (translated by J. C. Yardley).
  • Livy, Periochae (translated by A. C. Schlesinger).
  • Orosius, Historiae adversus paganos (translated by A. T. Fear).

Secondary Literature

Scholarly works that have analyzed the evidence and proposed interpretations include:

  • Beckerath, J. von. Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen (1999).
  • Bielman, A. "Stéréotypes et réalités du pouvoir politique féminin: la guerre civile en Égypte entre 132 et 124 av. J.-C." EuGeStA 7 (2017).
  • Chassinat, E. Le Temple d'Edfou (Vols. 4 & 13, 1929, 1934).
  • Chauveau, M. "Un été 145. Post-scriptum." BIFAO 90 (1990).
  • Chauveau, M. "Un été 145." BIFAO 91 (1991).
  • Chauveau, M. "Encore Ptolémée «VII» et le dieu Neos Philopator!" Revue d’Égyptologie 51 (2000).
  • Cauville, S., and D. Devauchelle. "Le temple d'Edfou: étapes de la construction nouvelles données historiques." Revue d’Égyptologie 35 (1984).
  • Dodson, A., and D. Hilton. The Complete Royal Families of Ancient Egypt (2004).
  • Errington, R. M. A History of the Hellenistic World 323–30 BC (2008).
  • Green, P. From Alexander to Actium: The Historical Evolution of the Hellenistic Age (1990).
  • Gruen, E. The Hellenistic World and the Coming of Rome (1984).
  • Hölbl, G. A History of the Ptolemaic Empire (2001).
  • Lanciers, E. "Some Observations on the Events in Egypt in 145 B.C." In L. Criscuolo et al. (eds.) Simblos scritti di storia antica (1995).
  • Whitehorne, J. Cleopatras (1994).

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References

References

  1.  Numbering the Ptolemies is a modern convention. Older sources may give a number one higher or lower. The most reliable way of determining which Ptolemy is being referred to in any given case is by epithet (e.g. "Philopator").
  2.  Chauveau 1990: 146-153. This interpretation has gained wide acceptance, e.g., by Bennett, Lanciers 1995, and Hölbl 2001: 193-194.
  3.  Chauveau 1990: 155-156; Hölbl 2001: 202-203; Dodson and Hilton 2004: 268-269, 273, 280-281; Errington 2008: 298
  4.  Cauville and Devauchelle 1984: 51-52, arguing that both reliefs represent Ptolemy Memphites, although some scholars thought only the eastern one did so; hieroglyphic texts in Chassinat 1929: 92, 229; photographs in Chassinat 1934, pl. 439 and 446.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Scholarly Note

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon scholarly interpretations of historical texts and archaeological evidence. The content is intended for educational and informational purposes, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator's complex historical context.

This is not a substitute for primary source analysis or expert historical consultation. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source material, historical scholarship is an evolving field. Always consult original texts and peer-reviewed academic research for definitive understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information presented herein.