Final answer:
Control of Egypt passed to Ptolemy, a general of Alexander the Great, after Alexander's death. Ptolemy established the Ptolemaic dynasty, ruling Egypt for nearly three centuries, and merged Greek and Egyptian traditions to legitimize his rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
After Alexander the Great's death in 323 BC, Egypt came under the control of one of his generals, Ptolemy, who later proclaimed himself king and established the Ptolemaic dynasty. This dynasty ruled Egypt for nearly three centuries, starting when Ptolemy declared himself king in 305 BC. Eager to consolidate power and garner legitimacy, the Ptolemies adopted many Egyptian customs and religious practices while also integrating Greek culture, creating a unique Greco-Egyptian society. Alexandria became the new capital and a hub of wealth and learning in the Hellenistic world.
The Ptolemies also focused on religious strategies to assert their rule as legitimate pharaohs of Egypt. For instance, Ptolemy seized Alexander's body, created a tomb for him in Alexandria, and declared him a god, aligning themselves with their revered predecessor. This blending of cultures and the Ptolemies' keen political maneuvering ensured their long-lasting reign over Egypt until the Roman conquest.