2021-06-22 Tue

Ptolemy IV Philopator was the fourth Pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt from 221 to 204 BC.

Ptolemy's succession to the throne was accompanied by a wide-ranging purge of the Ptolemaic royal family, which left control of the realm's government largely in the hands of his courtiers Sosibius and Agathocles. The Battle of Raphia, also known as the Battle of Gaza, fought on 22 June 217 BC near modern Rafah between the forces of Ptolemy IV Philopator, king and pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt and Antiochus III the Great of the Seleucid Empire during the Syrian Wars. It was one of the largest battles of the Hellenistic kingdoms and was one of the largest battles of the ancient world. The battle was waged to determine the sovereignty of Coele Syria.

In the final years of his rule, control over the southern portion of the country was lost to the rebel Pharaoh Hugronaphor. Ptolemy IV died in mysterious circumstances in 204 BC and was succeeded by his young son Ptolemy V Epiphanes under the regency of Sosibius and Agathocles.

In ancient sources, Ptolemy was criticized for being more interested in luxury and court ceremonies than government, politics, and foreign relations. The decline of the Ptolemaic dynasty is usually traced to his reign.

Depicted here is a Gold octadrachm issued by Ptolemy IV Philopator.

Image Source: Wikipedia.org