Ptolemy II Philadelphus was a ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt from 283 to 246 BCE. He was the son of Ptolemy I Soter and Berenice I, and he is known for his efforts to expand the kingdom and promote culture. His reign is often considered a high point of the Hellenistic period, marked by advancements in arts and sciences. Ptolemy II established the famous Library of Alexandria, which became a center of learning and scholarship. He also encouraged the blending of Greek and Egyptian cultures, promoting religious tolerance and the worship of both Greek and Egyptian deities. His reign significantly influenced the cultural landscape of the ancient world.