The army of Ptolemy I Ptolemaic army

a stele of dioskourides, dated 2nd century bc, showing ptolemaic thureophoros soldier (wielding thureos shield). characteristic example of romanization of ptolemaic army.

ptolemy general in army of alexander great , after alexander’s death had taken on province of egypt satrap (local governor). along other successors alexander did not hold title of king until 305, still important player in affairs of macedonian empire in east. in 312 bc @ gaza, ptolemy, assisting fugitive satrap of babylonia, seleucus i, came against forces if antigonus seen major threat stability of empire due strength , power. ptolemy had force of 18,000 infantry , 4,000 cavalry, these being mixture of macedonians, mercenaries, , native egyptians. forces larger of antigonus , son, demetrius poliorketes. in battle gaza, antigonus’ cavalry, commanded demetrius, successful forced retreat after ptolemy out-flanked them. battle victory ptolemy secured syria himself , placed seleucus in babylonia govern eastern provinces of empire. 305 ptolemy had taken title of king, along other powerful generals, including cassander, seleucus, , antigonus. in 301 bc, threat of antigonus ended death @ battle of ipsus. despite this, rivalry between ptolemies , seleucids syria cause numerous wars in future. army under ptolemy composed of small macedonian , mercenary garrisons left in egypt alexander.