Ptolemy V Epiphanes, born in 210 BC, was one of the last pharaohs of the Ptolemaic Dynasty in Ancient Egypt. He ascended to the throne at the tender age of five following the assassination of his father, Ptolemy IV Philopator. His reign, which lasted from 204 BC until his death in 180 BC, was marked by considerable internal strife and external threats.
The young Ptolemy V was initially under the regency of his mother, Arsinoe III, and later by a series of advisors, including Agathocles and Sosibius. This period was characterized by political instability, with various factions vying for control. His mother was soon murdered, likely by Agathocles, who then attempted to consolidate power. However, a revolt in Alexandria led to the execution of Agathocles and his family in 203 BC.
Ptolemy V's reign saw significant internal and external challenges:
To strengthen his position, Ptolemy V married Cleopatra I Syra, daughter of Antiochus III, in 193 BC, which was a strategic move to end the hostilities with the Seleucid Empire. This marriage also brought about a period of relative peace and stability to his reign.
One of the most notable artifacts from his reign is the Rosetta Stone, which was inscribed in 196 BC to commemorate his coronation and the granting of divine honors to him. The stone contains a decree from the Memphis priests in three scripts: Hieroglyphics, Demotic script, and Ancient Greek, which later became key in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Ptolemy V died in 180 BC, possibly by poisoning, leaving behind a kingdom still grappling with internal dissent and external pressures. His son, Ptolemy VI Philometor, succeeded him at the age of six, continuing the pattern of child rulers in the Ptolemaic Dynasty.