Final answer:
The Ptolemies styled themselves as Egyptian pharaohs to gain legitimacy among the Egyptian populace, merging Greek and Egyptian culture and using religious and political integration to stabilize their rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ptolemies, who were Macedonian Greeks, chose to style themselves as Egyptian pharaohs primarily to gain legitimacy among the Egyptian populace. When the Ptolemaic dynasty took control over Egypt after Alexander the Great's death, they found it necessary to adopt Egyptian customs and traditions to be seen as rightful successors to the pharaonic line. This was not only a political maneuver but also a cultural strategy to create a stable and unified state. The Ptolemies not only continued venerating traditional Egyptian deities but also introduced new ones, like Serapis, which amalgamated elements of both Greek and Egyptian religion, providing a familiar figure for both Greek and Egyptian subjects to worship. Moreover, by engaging in religious practices inherent to Egyptian culture, such as dedicating temples and visiting shrines, the Ptolemies reinforced their image as Egypt's legitimate rulers.
Through various measures, such as the strategic use of imagery depicting them in traditional Egyptian garb and commissioning art that portrayed them as pharaohs, they projected an image of themselves that resonated with the Egyptian people's long-standing traditions. By constructing a tomb for Alexander the Great in Alexandria and promoting him as a deity, they underlined their connection to his legacy, leveraging this relationship to further solidify their claim to the throne. Additionally, by having Egyptian officials participate in the day-to-day governance alongside Greek officials, the Ptolemies managed to maintain a balance of power that did not overly alienate the local population.