An area of eastern Libya colonized by Greek settlers c. 630 BC. An independent dynasty emerged but later recognized the suzerainty of Cambyses and subsequently Alexander the Great. First ruled by Ptolemy I, Cyrene became sovereign again, but the country was annexed to Egypt through the marriage of Berenice II to Ptolemy III. It briefly became independent once again under Ptolemy VIII before his accession and under Ptolemy Apion, the illegitimate son of Ptolemy VIII, who died childless in 96 BC and left his kingdom to Rome.
Historical Dictionary Of Ancient Egypt by Morris L. Bierbrier
Ancient Egypt. A Reference Guide. EdwART. 2011.