Ptolemaeus
The name of several kings of Egypt. Ptolemy First, son of Arsinoe and Lagus. He was educated in the court of the king of Macedonia, and when Alexander invaded Asia, Ptolemy attended him. After Alexander's death Ptolemy obtained the government of Egypt, where he gained the esteem of the people by acts of kindness. He made himself master of Phoenicia and Syria, and rendered assistance to the people of Rhodes against their enemies, for which he received the name of Soter. He laid the foundation of a library, which became the most celebrated in the world. He died in his eightyfourth year, about 284 years B. C. He was succeeded by his son Ptolemy Philadelphus, who showed himself to be a worthy successor of his father. His palace was an asylum for learned men, and he greatly increased the library his father had founded. Ptolemy Third succeeded his father Philadelphus on the Egyptian throne. He conquered Syria and Cilicia, and returned home laden with spoils. He was, like his predecessors, a patron of learning and the arts. Ptolemy Fourth, called Philopater, succeeded to the throne, his reign being marked by acts of cruelty and oppression. He died in his thirty-seventh year, after a reign of seventeen years, 204 B. C. Numerous members of this celebrated family in succession occиpied the throne, not, however, approaching to the greatness of the founders of the family.
Ptolemaeus, Claudius, A celebrated geographer and astronomer in the reign of Hadrian and Antoninus. He was a native of Alexandria, or as some say, of Pelusium. In his system of the world, designated the Ptolemaic system, he places the earth in the center of the universe, which was generally received as correct till it was confuted by Copernicus.