With the earth as centre such a sphere is known as Ptolemaic; with the sun as centre, as Copernican.
The Macedonian year is found in early Ptolemaic documents.
The conquest by Alexander ushers in the Hellenistic age, comprising the periods of Ptolemaic and Roman rule.
No serious effort was made to extend the Ptolemaic rule into Ethiopia, and Ergamenes, the Hellenizing king of Ethiopia, was evidently in alliance with Philopator; in the next reign two native kings, probably supported by Ethiopia, reigned in succession at Thebes.
In the main lines the Ptolemaic organization was preserved, but Romans were gradually introduced into the highest offices.