Psammetichos I, also known as Psammetichos or Psammetikhos, was the founder of the XXVI Egyptian dynasty. He reigned from 664 to 610 BC. AD, and his reign marked the beginning of the Saite Renaissance, a period of cultural, economic and political renewal for Egypt.
Rise to power
Psammetichus I was the king's son Nekao I. After the death of his father, he was installed on the throne by the Assyrians, who had invaded Egypt. However, Psammetichus I was not just a puppet king and knew how to skillfully exploit internal divisions and rivalries between foreign powers to strengthen his authority and consolidate his reign.
The restoration of Egyptian independence
Psametik I took advantage of the Assyrian defeat by the Babylonians in 612 BC. AD to reaffirm the independence of Egypt. He succeeded in ousting the Assyrians from the country and unifying the various Egyptian provinces under his authority. This unification enabled Psammetichus I to end centuries of political fragmentation and foreign domination in Egypt.
Reforms and achievements
During his reign, Psammetichus I undertook many reforms to restore prosperity and stability to Egypt. He encouraged trade and international relations, especially with the Greeks, Phoenicians and other peoples around the Mediterranean. He also patronized the arts, literature and the construction of temples, contributing to the cultural revival of Egypt.
Among his achievements, we can mention the construction of the temple of Neith in Sais, its capital, as well as the restoration of many other temples across the country. Psametik I also placed great importance on education and brought foreign scholars and intellectuals to Egypt, thus promoting the development of science and philosophy.
Foreign policy
Psametik I led a pragmatic and realistic foreign policy. He sought to maintain peaceful relations with foreign powers and to strengthen Egypt through strategic alliances. However, he was quick to defend Egypt's interests when threatened, such as when he repelled a Nubian invasion in 656 BC. J.-C.
Inheritance
The legacy of Psammetichus I is that of an enlightened and ambitious king who succeeded in restoring the greatness and independence of Egypt. Under his rule, Egypt experienced a period of prosperity and stability that lasted throughout the XXVI Dynasty.
The influence of Psammetichus I was felt far beyond the borders of Egypt. Its policy of openness and international cooperation favored cultural exchanges and the development of knowledge. Thanks to him, Egypt revived its glorious past and once again exerted considerable influence on the Mediterranean world.
Succession and posterity
Psametik I was followed on the throne by his son Nekao II, who continued his father's policies and sought to expand Egypt's influence in the eastern Mediterranean. Nekao II notably undertook the construction of a canal linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, which was completed during the reign of Darius I.
Despite the successes of Psammetichus I and his successors, the XNUMXth Dynasty of Egypt was ultimately defeated by the Persian invasion of Cambyses II in 525 BC. Nonetheless, the legacy of Psammetichus I and the Saite Renaissance endured through the centuries, inspiring future Egyptian rulers and leaving an indelible mark on Egyptian history.
📋 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 | ||