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Glite Dictionary
Ptolemy II

Ptolemy II

1 9.9
King of Egypt from about 283 to 246 BC who promoted the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible
  • proper noun
: Ptolomeo II
  • The translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek, known as the Septuagint, was initiated under Ptolemy II.

Examples

  • The translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek, known as the Septuagint, was initiated under Ptolemy II.

  • During his reign, Ptolemy II oversaw major construction projects in Alexandria.

  • The cultural achievements of Ptolemy II's court attracted scholars from across the ancient world.

  • King Ptolemy II ruled Egypt for nearly forty years.

  • Ptolemy II was known for his cultural and scientific advancements.

  • The cultural achievements of Ptolemy II's court attracted scholars from across the ancient world.

  • King Ptolemy II ruled Egypt for nearly forty years.

Synonyms

Ptolemy II Philadelphus
vsPtolemy II
1 9.9

King of Egypt from about 283 to 246 BC who ordered the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible

is the shorter common name form without the epithet

Surface Forms

Ptolemy II main

Morphology

Ptolemy + II

The form combines a proper name 'Ptolemy' with the Roman numeral 'II', so a learner who knows both constituents can transparently infer 'Ptolemy the second'. However, the specific biographical information (that he was king of Egypt, son of Ptolemy I, and the dates) cannot be derived from the parts and requires prior historical knowledge, so the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Ptolemy II was the son of Ptolemy I and the II shows 'the second', so his name tells you he was the second king with that name. He ruled Egypt from about 283 to 246 BC and helped scholars in Alexandria make a Greek version of the Hebrew Bible, called the Septuagint, so his name is linked with learning and books.