285 BC facts for kids
| Millennium: | 1st millennium BC |
|---|---|
| Centuries: | 4th century BC – 3rd century BC – 2nd century BC |
| Decades: | 310s BC 300s BC 290s BC – 280s BC – 270s BC 260s BC 250s BC |
| Years: | 288 BC 287 BC 286 BC – 285 BC – 284 BC 283 BC 282 BC |
The year 285 BC was a time in ancient history, counted using the Roman calendar before the Julian calendar was created. Many important events happened in different parts of the world during this year.
What Happened in 285 BC?
Changes in Power
New Pharaoh in Egypt
On June 26, a big change happened in Ancient Egypt. The ruler, Ptolemy I Soter, decided to step down from his throne. He was part of the Ptolemaic dynasty, a family that ruled Egypt for a long time.
Ptolemy I was replaced by his youngest son, Ptolemy II Philadelphus. His mother was Berenice I of Egypt. Ptolemy II had actually been helping his father rule for three years before taking over completely.
Amazing New Buildings
The Lighthouse of Alexandria
A truly incredible building was finished in 285 BC: the Lighthouse of Alexandria. This giant lighthouse stood on the island of Pharos, right in the harbor of Alexandria, Egypt. It was about 110 meters (around 360 feet) tall!
This lighthouse was a super important landmark for ships sailing in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It was built by an architect named Sostratus of Cnidus for the new pharaoh, Ptolemy II. The Lighthouse of Alexandria was so amazing that it became known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
It was a huge step forward in building technology. It even had a wide, spiraling ramp that led all the way to the top. At night, a big fire would burn there, guiding ships safely to port. This lighthouse became the model for all lighthouses built after it.
A King's Capture
Demetrius Surrenders
In the Seleucid Empire, a powerful general named Demetrius Poliorcetes faced a tough situation. His own soldiers left him, and he had to surrender to Seleucus. This happened in a place called Cilicia. After his surrender, Seleucus kept Demetrius as a prisoner.
Important People Who Died
Dicaearchus, the Greek Thinker
In 285 BC, a very smart person named Dicaearchus passed away. He was a Greek philosopher, which means he thought deeply about life and knowledge. He was also a cartographer, someone who makes maps, and a geographer, who studies the Earth's features. On top of that, he was a mathematician and an author. He was born around 350 BC.
