Ptolemy I, King Of Egypt

Ptolemy, who ruled Egypt between 323 and 283 BC, is depicted here overseeing the construction of the Library of Alexandria. The Temple of the Muses was the first part of the library complex to be built. It housed music, poetry, a philosophical school and library, and a gallery of sacred texts.

Alexandria had been in existence before Ptolemy for nearly 400 years as a strategic crossroads between the western cultures of the Mediterranean and those of Egypt and the rest of the Near East. But in 332 BCE, the Egyptians welcomed Alexander the Great to liberate them from Persian oppression. Unfortunately, Alexander died before he could realize his dream. One of his generals, Ptolemy, declared himself king and established a dynasty that would reign for 300 years.

Ultimately, the last of the Ptolemies, Cleopatra, was unable to maintain control of the city and lost her power to the Romans at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE. Three years later, the Roman Senate declared Augustus Emperor of Rome. The Miriam bat Isaac stories take place about a hundred years later, beginning with the reign of Claudius.

The first Miriam bat Isaac story, The Deadliest Lie, was selected by Wiki Ezvid as one of the nine most riveting mysteries set in the distant past. Moreover, it was praised by the Historical Novel Society, and won the Readers’ Favorite award.  If you’re ready to stalk a thief through the sinister alleys of Alexandria, then click here.