285 BC

Year 285 BC was a year of the pre-Julian Roman calendar.

Events

June 26 – Egypt's Ptolemy I Soter quits ruling. He is succeeded by his youngest son by his wife Berenice, Ptolemy II Philadelphus. He was co-regent for three years.
A 110 metre tall lighthouse on the island of Pharos in Alexandria's harbour is completed. It is a landmark for ships in the eastern Mediterranean. Built by Sostratus of Cnidus for Ptolemy II of Egypt, it is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It is a technological triumph and is the archetype of all lighthouses since. A broad spiral ramp leads to the top, where a fire burns at night.

Demetrius Poliorcetes is left by his troops and surrenders to Seleucus at Cilicia, where Seleucus keeps him a prisoner.

Dicaearchus, Greek philosopher, cartographer, geographer, mathematician and author (b. c. 350 BC)

Years
Millennium
1st millennium BC
Centuries
4th century BC 3rd century BC 2nd century BC
Decades
300s BC 290s BC 280s BC 270s BC 260s BC
Years
288 BC 287 BC 286 BC 285 BC 284 BC 283 BC 282 BC