Conclusion

Abstract

The preceding essays share two primary aims: to place the dates surrounding the life of Berenice II Euergetis on a more secure factual and historical footing, and to study early Hellenistic dynastic relations and marital practices. Such a purpose additionally involves examining aspects of early Ptolemaic chronology and genealogy, as well as issues including royal succession, legitimacy, ideology, and deification. It bears repeating that in these areas of study much is still uncertain and much work is yet to be done. In light of the nature of the extant sources, the intricacies of the matters at hand, and the various specializations involved in the interpretation, I would not be surprised if some of my conclusions will be met with disagreement. Some of my suggestions certainly remain only conjectural. The study of Hellenistic history is severely hampered by the scarcity, diversity, and ambiguity of the evidence, not to mention the various ancient languages in which they were written. If anything, I hope to have illustrated the wide range of interpretations and assumptions underlying both the ancient sources and modern scholarship.