History

Upon the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C., his empire was partitioned among his generals. Egypt went to Ptolemy, and thus began the Ptolemaic dynasty which lasted for almost 300 years.

Ptolemy was notable for the efforts he made toward mixing the Egyptian and Mycenaean cultures, the old and the new, tradition and technology. The kingdom was a successful experiment in "best practices" and diversity. Centered in Alexandria, Ptolemy's kingdom was the most progressive and innovative trading center in the world.

During the tenure of the dynasty, two wonders of the ancient world were wrought - the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Great Library of Alexandria - both testaments to using technology for the furthering of commerce and the betterment of the human condition.

The dynasty came to an end when the last of the Ptolemaic line, Cleopatra, took her life with her lover Mark Antony following defeat of the Egyptians fleet by Roman galleys at the battle of Actium in 31 B.C. And yet the influence of the Ptolemys lived on as Alexandria continued to play a prominent role in commerce as part of the Roman Empire.

About Ptolemy

Frequently Asked Questions About Ptolemy

What is Ptolemy? The Grand Krewe of Ptolemy is a social organization in the 76 year tradition of Carnival Memphis. Ptolemy’s membership is a diverse blend of energetic professionals, both life-long Memphians and Memphis transplants who enjoy the social and philanthropic mission of Carnival, “The Party with a Purpose.”

And Carnival? Carnival Memphis was founded in the 1930s as Cotton Carnival to help bolster the then-sagging cotton industry. Today, Carnival Memphis’ three-fold mission is Commerce, Community, Celebration!

What’s a Krewe? The Krewes (Crews) of Carnival Memphis began as Secret Societies in the 1930s, in the style of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Ptolemy is Carnival’s second “youngest” Krewe, founded in 2000. Each of Carnival’s twelve Krewes has its own royalty, personality and traditions, some dating back several generations.

What does Ptolemy Do? Each year, Ptolemy elects a King, Queen and Duchesses to represent the Krewe at Carnival Memphis and other Krewes’ events. Ptolemy’s Royalty become the social ring-leaders for the year at parades, parties, athletic contests and charity appearances.

What about the Royalty? Sure, just for fun! In fact, Carnival Memphis’ Krewes have been choosing royalty since Carnival’s early days. The King and Queen of Carnival are selected each year to represent a different industry in the Mid-South.

Who are Ptolemy’s Members? Our members represent all facets of Memphis: medicine, law, accounting and finance, politics, insurance and real estate, banking, manufacturing and sales. The list goes on and on, but Ptolemy’s dual missions of social and community service are the cornerstone of its existence.

Where did the name Ptolemy come from? The empire of Alexander the Great was divided among his generals at his death in 323 B.C. Egypt was given to Ptolemy, beginning a dynasty that lasted almost 300 years. Ptolemy was noted for his mixing of old and new, tradition and technology. And Alexandria was the most progressive and innovative trading center in the world. The Great Lighthouse of Alexandria is Grand Krewe of Ptolemy’s primary symbol. The Ptolemaic dynasty ended with the death of Cleopatra in 31 B.C., the namesake for Ptolemy’s Queen Cleo!

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