14. The Dynasty Reached the Height of its Power Under the Third Ptolemy
The sister-loving Ptolemy II was succeeded by his son, Ptolemy III, also known as Euergetes, or the Benefactor (reigned 246 – 222 BC). Unlike his father, who had ditched the military and warlike ways to focus on peaceful pursuits at home, Ptolemy III was militarily inclined, and had no hangups about picking up the sword and letting loose the dogs of war. To be fair, he had ample justification for his first war, which broke out soon as he ascended the throne: he fought to avenge his murdered sister and her infant son.
Ptolemy III’s elder sister, Berenice Syra, had married Antiochus II, ruler of the neighboring Seleucid Empire, and gave birth to the royal heir. However, Antiochus ditched her in 246 BC, and returned to his former queen, Laodice, who promptly murdered Berenice and her infant son. So Ptolemy III invaded the Seleucid Empire to avenge his sister and nephew – and seize what he could from the Seleucids, while he was at it. He captured the Seleucid capital of Antioch, and led his armies deep into Syria and Iraq, while his fleet rampaged throug enemy waters. He also captured Laodice, and had her killed. By the time Ptolemy III was done, the Ptolemaic Kingdom had reached the height of its power and its greatest territorial extent.