Term describing Egypt during the Hellenistic era, when it was ruled by the dynasty of the Macedonian general Ptolemy I Soter (reigned 305/304-283/282 BC) and his descendants. The Ptolemaic Period was a large-scale experiment in bureaucratic centralism and mercantilism. Egypt was ruled by Ptolemy's descendants until the death of Cleopatra VII on Aug. 12, 30 BC.