How did Ptolemy I Soter become satrap of Egypt after Alexander the Great died?

Following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE, his vast empire faced immediate instability as his generals struggled for control. During a council held at Babylon, Ptolemy—who had served as a trusted commander under Alexander—demonstrated significant strategic foresight.12

Convinced that the empire could not remain unified, Ptolemy proposed that the satrapies (provinces) be divided among the generals. Through this arrangement, he secured the governorship of Egypt, along with adjacent regions in Libya and Arabia. Ptolemy specifically sought this territory because he recognized that its geographic isolation would allow him to establish a secure and independent power base. He subsequently utilized this position to build a great Hellenistic power, methodically strengthening his administration and military security.123