From the time of Ptolemy IV onward,The dynasty's declining prestige abroad was matched by faltering administration at home
His main interest was in building galley ships, including a huge,
though apparently immovable ship measuring some 150 meters in length with a capacity to hold some 2,850 marines
He was aided and abetted by Sosibius, an Alexandrian Greek who had ingratiated himself into high office and made sure that he was indispensable to the Pharaoh.
He was heavily influenced by his favourites and women
On the advice of Sosibios, Ptolemy IV had is mother, brother, and uncle killed, most likely to try to retain control of the government.
Antiochus III of Syria, moved through Phoenicia capturing the port of Seleucia-in-Pieria, Tyre and Ptolemais-Ake.
In 217 BC Ptolemy IV took the field and defeated Antiochus III, relieving Egypt of the threat of invasion
Egyptians started a strong nationalist movement campaign against the Alexandria court,
and by the end of his reign, they were able to achieve total independence in the south which was ruled once more by native Pharaohs.
During the period of rebel insurrection, an increased army of mercenaries was needed to fend off their constant marauding, further draining capital and resulting in a cutback in overseas trade, which in turn made the economic situation even worse.
When Ptolemy IV died Sosibius and Agathocles had his wife and sister Arsinoe III killed.
Ptolemaic Period 