Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt

Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt
Jona Lendering · CC0 · source
Name	Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt
Duration	664–525 BCE
Country	Ancient Egypt
Capital	Sais
Common languages	Egyptian language
Religion	Ancient Egyptian religion
Government	Monarchy

Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt

The Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt, also known as the Saite Period, was a period of Ancient Egyptian history that lasted from 664 to 525 BCE. This dynasty is notable for its connections with the Neo-Babylonian Empire, a major power in the ancient Near East during that time. The Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt matters in the context of Ancient Babylon because of the significant interactions and alliances formed between the Egyptian pharaohs and the Neo-Babylonian kings, which had far-reaching implications for the politics and stability of the region.

Origins and Establishment

The Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt was founded by Psamtik I, who was a member of the Saisite royal family. Psamtik I was able to establish his dynasty with the help of the Assyrian Empire, which at that time was a dominant power in the Near East. He was recognized as a vassal king by the Assyrians and was tasked with controlling Egypt on their behalf. However, Psamtik I eventually managed to throw off Assyrian control and assert Egypt's independence.

Relations with the Neo-Babylonian Empire

During the Twenty-sixth Dynasty, Egypt formed significant relations with the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which was a major power in the ancient Near East. The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under the rule of Nabopolassar and his successors, including Nebuchadnezzar II, was a key player in the region. Egypt and the Neo-Babylonian Empire had a complex relationship, marked by periods of conflict and alliance. One notable aspect of this relationship was the Battle of Carchemish, where the Egyptians and their allies were defeated by the Neo-Babylonians and the Medes.

Rule of Psamtik I and Reunification

Psamtik I played a crucial role in reunifying Egypt after a period of fragmentation. He successfully campaigned against the Kushite kingdom, which had controlled Lower Egypt for a time, and reasserted Egyptian control over Nubia. Psamtik I also encouraged the Greek mercenaries to settle in Egypt, which had significant implications for the country's military and economy.

Apries and the Babylonian-Egyptian Alliance

Apries, who succeeded Psamtik I, continued the dynasty's foreign policy of forming alliances with neighboring powers. Apries formed an alliance with the Neo-Babylonian king Nabonidus, which was cemented through a marriage alliance. However, this alliance was ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the rise of the Persian Empire, which would eventually conquer both Egypt and the Neo-Babylonian Empire.

Amasis and the Rise of Persian Power

Amasis II, who ruled after Apries, faced significant challenges, including the rise of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great. Amasis II attempted to form an alliance with the Spartans to counter the Persian threat but was ultimately unsuccessful. The Persians eventually conquered the Neo-Babylonian Empire, and Egypt found itself isolated and vulnerable.

Collapse and the Persian Conquest

The Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt came to an end with the Persian conquest of Egypt in 525 BCE. The Persian king Cambyses II invaded Egypt and defeated the Egyptian army at the Battle of Pelusium. The last pharaoh of the Twenty-sixth Dynasty, Psamtik III, was captured and executed by the Persians. The Twenty-sixth Dynasty was followed by the Twenty-seventh Dynasty of Egypt, which was a period of Persian rule in Egypt.

Category:Ancient Egyptian dynasties