Arsinoe II
Pl. 198 · also Arsinoe Philadelphos
277 BC to 270 BC, about 7 years · Macedonian and Ptolemaic Period
Arsinoe II was the daughter of Ptolemy I Soter and Berenice I. After dramatic political marriages in Thrace and Macedonia, she returned to Egypt and married her full brother Ptolemy II in about 277 BC. She ruled actively alongside him until her death around 270 BC, with reign dates certain to within a single year.
Her marriage revived the pharaonic tradition of sibling union, presenting the royal couple as living divine counterparts to Osiris and Isis. Arsinoe held enormous political influence, appearing beside her husband on official coinage, influencing foreign policy, and receiving royal and divine honours across the Hellenistic world. After her death, Ptolemy II established a widespread religious cult in her honour, dedicating temples to her throughout the realm.
Scholars know Arsinoe II through Ptolemaic coinage, dedicatory inscriptions at Philae, honorary statues, and contemporary Greek court poetry.
Monuments
- Samothrace Arsinoeion
- Philae Temple dedications
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Dates are conventional and approximate. See method and sources.