Manetho

Manetho was an Egyptian priest and historian who lived during the Ptolemaic period, likely during the reigns of Ptolemy I Soter and Ptolemy II Philadelphus (early 3rd century BCE). He is best known for his Aegyptiaca (History of Egypt), a history of Egypt written in Greek.

While the original Aegyptiaca is lost, fragments survive in later works by historians such as Josephus, Eusebius, and Sextus Julius Africanus. These fragments are invaluable sources for our understanding of Egyptian history, although their accuracy and interpretation are often debated.

Manetho's Aegyptiaca divided Egyptian rulers into dynasties, a system that is still used by Egyptologists today. He also provided information about the reigns of various pharaohs, including their names, dates of rule, and significant events. However, his sources and methodology are not always clear, and discrepancies exist between his account and other sources.

Manetho's accounts contain both historical and mythological elements. He integrated Egyptian mythology and religious beliefs into his historical narrative, providing insights into the cultural and religious context of ancient Egypt. He also attempted to reconcile Egyptian history with Greek perspectives, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Despite the fragmentary nature of his work and questions about its reliability, Manetho remains a key figure in the study of ancient Egypt. His division of Egyptian history into dynasties has provided a fundamental framework for understanding the chronology of ancient Egypt.