<head>Ptolemy Philopator, B.C. 222-205</head>The question may be asked, perhaps, why I have<note anchored="yes" place="marg" id="note27">The feeble character of Ptolemy Philopator.</note>chosen to give a sketch of Egyptian history here, going back a considerable period; whereas, in the case of the rest of my history, I have recorded the events of each year in the several countries side by side? I have done so for the following reasons: Ptolemy Philopator, of whom I am now speaking, after the conclusion of the war for the possession of <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Coele-Syria&groupId=484&placeId=908">Coele-Syria</a>,<note anchored="yes" place="unspecified" id="note28">The war with Antiochus, B.C. 218-217. See<ref target="b5c40" targOrder="U">5, 40</ref>,<ref target="b5c58" targOrder="U">58-71</ref>,<ref target="b5c79" targOrder="U">79-87</ref>.</note>abandoned all noble pursuits and gave himself up to the life of debauchery which I have just described. But late in life he was compelled by circumstances to engage in the war I have mentioned,<note anchored="yes" place="unspecified" id="note29">A civil war, apparently in a rebellion caused by his own feeble and vicious character. It seems to be that referred to in<ref target="b5c107" targOrder="U">5, 107</ref>.</note>which, over and above the mutual cruelty and lawlessness with which it was conducted, witnessed neither pitched battle, sea fight, siege, or anything else worth recording. I thought, therefore, that it would be easier for me as a writer, and more intelligible to my readers, if I did not touch upon everything year by year as it occurred, or give a full account of transactions which were insignificant and undeserving of serious attention; but should once for all sum up and describe the character and policy of this king.<pb />
Walbank Commentary