Pronunciation: [tˈə͡ʊlme͡ɪˌɪst] (IPA) 
The word Ptolemaist, referring to a follower of the Ptolemaic dynasty of ancient Egypt, can be traced back to the name of the dynasty's founder, Ptolemy. The spelling of the word may be confusing to some, but it is phonetically transcribed as /tɔləˌmeɪɪst/. The "P" in the beginning is silent, and the "o" in "Ptolemy" is pronounced as "ɔ". The "ai" in the suffix is pronounced as "eɪ", and the stress falls on the second syllable.
Ptolemaist refers to a person or a follower of the Ptolemaic dynasty or the school of thought associated with it. The term originates from the Greek name Ptolemaios, which is associated with the ruling family of ancient Egypt from 305 to 30 BCE.
In historical context, Ptolemaist refers specifically to individuals who supported or were aligned with the Ptolemaic dynasty, particularly the rulers of Egypt. The dynasty was established following the death of Alexander the Great and was centered in Alexandria. It is commonly associated with the last active Pharaoh, Cleopatra VII.
The term may also be used more broadly to describe individuals who adhere to the principles or adopt the approaches of the Ptolemaic school of thought popular during the Hellenistic period. This school flourished under the reign of the Ptolemaic dynasty and is primarily known for its contributions to science, astronomy, and geography. Its most famous representative is Claudius Ptolemy, an Greco-Egyptian philosopher, mathematician, astronomer, and geographer.
Overall, the term Ptolemaist holds historical and intellectual connotations, relating to the support of the Ptolemaic dynasty in ancient Egypt and the associated scientific and intellectual traditions that flourished under its patronage.
The word "Ptolemaist" is derived from the name Ptolemy, which originates from the Greek name Πτολεμαῖος (Ptolemaios). Ptolemy was a common name in ancient Greece, and it was famously associated with the ruling dynasty of ancient Egypt known as the Ptolemies. The Ptolemies were descendants of Ptolemy I Soter, a general under Alexander the Great, who became the ruler of Egypt in 305 BCE. The term "Ptolemaist" refers to someone who adheres to or follows the teachings, beliefs, or philosophy associated with Ptolemy or the Ptolemaic dynasty, especially in relation to their astronomical and cosmological theories.
