History
How the Ptolemaic Dynasty Blended Greek and Egyptian Cultures
Quick fact
The Ptolemaic rulers adopted the Egyptian royal title 'Pharaoh' and were depicted in temple carvings in full Egyptian regalia, even though they spoke Greek among themselves and lived in Alexandria, the most Greek of cities.
Why this is interesting
You've probably heard of Cleopatra, but did you know that her family, the Ptolemies, ruled Egypt for nearly 300 years—not as Egyptians, but as Macedonian Greeks? How did they pull off ruling one of the ancient world's greatest civilizations without losing their own identity?