Nepherites I, also known as Nepherites the Founder, was an Egyptian pharaoh of the 29th Dynasty, who reigned from 399 to 393 BC. His reign marked the beginning of a period of rebirth for Egypt, which had suffered centuries of instability and foreign domination. Nepherites I left a lasting legacy by restoring Egyptian sovereignty and initiating a period of cultural and architectural renewal.
Rise to power
Nepherites I was from Mendes, a city in the Nile delta. He ascended the throne following a coup against King Achoris, the last ruler of the 28th dynasty. The circumstances of his rise are still poorly understood, but it is believed that he enjoyed the support of the Egyptian ruling classes, who were unhappy with the government of Achoris and its relations with foreign powers, particularly Greece.
Domestic policy
One of Nepherites I's first actions as pharaoh was to consolidate his power in Egypt and secure the support of local elites. He sought to portray himself as the restorer of order and prosperity, taking steps to improve the country's administration and economy. He also strengthened central authority by appointing members of his family and loyal supporters to key positions in government and the military.
Nepherites I also placed great importance on the restoration of Egyptian cultural and religious traditions. He encouraged the renovation of temples and monuments, especially in his hometown of Mendes, and supported the Egyptian clergy by restoring temple tax privileges.
Foreign relations and conflicts
The reign of Nepherites I was marked by tensions with foreign powers, notably Greece and Persia. Nepherites I strove to strengthen Egypt's defenses by building fortifications along the eastern border and maintaining a powerful army. He also sought to expand Egyptian influence by supporting neighboring kingdoms and establishing alliances.
One of Nepherites I's main concerns was the Persian threat. The Persian Empire, led by Artaxerxes II, had conquered Egypt in the 6th century BC. AD, but had been driven out by the kings of the 28th dynasty. Nepherites I therefore had to face the possibility of a new Persian invasion. Although he succeeded in repelling the Persians during his reign, the Persian threat remained constant and of concern to Egypt.
Architecture and construction projects
Under the reign of Nepherites I, Egypt experienced an architectural revival, with the construction and renovation of many temples and monuments. Nepherites I commissioned the construction of a great temple in Mendes, his hometown, as well as the restoration of many other temples across the country.
Among the notable building projects of Nepherites I was the renovation of the Temple of Bastet at Bubastis and the construction of a temple at Heliopolis. These projects strengthened the king's authority and legitimacy and helped promote Egyptian culture during a time when foreign influence was strong.
End of reign and legacy
Nepherites I died in 393 BC. AD and was succeeded by his son Psammuthis, although his reign was very brief (only a few months). Nepherites I left an important legacy as the founder of the 29th Dynasty and as a pharaoh who sought to restore Egyptian authority and prosperity.
Although the 29th Dynasty did not last long and Egypt was again conquered by the Persians at the start of the 31st Dynasty, Nepherites I laid the foundations for an Egyptian renaissance. His reign helped to strengthen Egyptian identity and revive the country's cultural and religious traditions, thus preparing the ground for future Egyptian kings who would seek freedom from foreign domination and restore Egypt's greatness.
📋 LIST OF EGYPTIAN SOVEREIGNS 📋
Hotepsekhemwey / Sneferka / Nebra / ninetjer / Senedj / Noubnefer / Horus Ba / Peribsen / Sekhemib / Khasekhemwy / Neferkasokar / | |||
Djoser / Sanakht / Sekhemkhet / Spoon / Huni | |||
Sekhemre-Khutaouy Amenemhat-/Sobekhotep I/Sekhemkare Amenemhat-Senbef/Sekhemkare Amenemhat V/Ameny-Qemaou/Hotepibre Qémaou-Sa-Hornejhéritef/Ioufeni/Séânkhibrê Amény-Antef-Amenemhat (or Amenemhat VI)/Semenkarê Nebnoun/Sehotepibrê Sousekhtaouy | |||
Sekhaenre Yakbim/Nebuuserre Yaammou/Khauserre Qareh | |||
Semqen/Aper-Anat/Sakir-Har/Khyan/Apophis I/Apophis II?/Khamoudy | |||
/Sekhemre-Sementaouy Djehouty/Sekhemre-Sousertaouy Sobekhotep VIII | |||
Twenty-first dynasty | |||
Twenty-second dynasty | |||
Twenty-third dynasty | |||
Twenty-fourth dynasty | |||
1st Persian Dynasty | |||
Thirty-first dynasty (Achaemenid) | 2nd Persian Dynasty | ||