{"product_id":"book-kgel","title":"The Last Dynasty","description":"Alexander the Great and Cleopatra may be two of the most famous figures from the ancient world, but the Egyptian era bookended by their lives—the Ptolemaic period (305-30 BC)—is little known. In \u003ci\u003eThe Last Dynasty\u003c\/i\u003e, Toby Wilkinson unravels the incredible story of this turbulent era.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMacedonian in origin and Greek-speaking, the Ptolemies presided over the final flourishing of pharaonic civilization. Wilkinson describes the extraordinary cultural reach displayed at the height of their power: how they founded new cities, including Alexandria, their great seaside residence and commercial capital; mined gold in the furthest reaches of Nubia; built spectacular temples that are among the foremost architectural wonders of the Nile Valley; and created a dazzling civilization that produced astonishing works of sculpture, architecture, and literature. Stunningly, he also shows how such expansionist ambitions led to the era's downfall. The Ptolemaic period was a time when ancient Egypt turned its gaze westward—in the process becoming the unwitting handmaid to the inexorable rise of Rome and the consequent loss of Egyptian independence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeaturing a superb blend of first-rate scholarship and evocative narrative history, \u003ci\u003eThe Last Dynasty\u003c\/i\u003e provides fresh insights into this overlooked period of history and its legacy in shaping the world as we know it.","brand":"Highbridge Audio","offers":[{"title":"Audiobook","offer_id":49645927694640,"sku":"BDkgel","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Audio CD","offer_id":49684651802928,"sku":"ZEkgel","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Audio MP3-CD","offer_id":49684651868464,"sku":"ZMkgel","price":45.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0879\/2784\/9264\/files\/kgel-cover.jpg?v=1765895332","url":"https:\/\/downpour.com\/products\/book-kgel","provider":"Downpour","version":"1.0","type":"link"}