Fall of Pharaohs

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Third Intermediate Period

Lack of Central Authority:-

The 21st dynasty marks the beginning of the third intermediate period, Egypt broke into fragments and Tanis controlled the Lower Egypt while Thebes ruled over Upper Egypt.

Libyan Dynasty:-

The 22nd dynasty was founded by Libyan chief Shoshenq I. He reunified Egypt and tried to establish order. However, due to internal divisions and problems, the dynasty ended. The 23rd dynasty was also the Libyan dynasty and ruled concurrently with the 22nd.

Nubian Dynasty:-

The 25th dynasty was the Nubian dynasty founded by the King of Kush. Piye was the first Nubian King to invade Egypt. Egypt saw a short revival of heritage, culture, arts and traditions but soon the Nubians engaged in a war with the Assyrians. The Assyrians attacked the Nubians and the 25th dynasty came to an end as the Nubians retrieved and came back to their homeland.

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Late Period

26th Dynasty:-

Psamtik I founded the 26th dynasty. He managed to reunify and expel foreign rulers. The Egyptian empire was now in revival mode. He did restoration projects, military campaigns and new construction projects. Later his descendants tried to take Egypt to its heights.

One of his descendants, Amasis II also known as Ahmose II maintained stability and restored its prosperity. The economy was boosted, the culture was revived, and there were fantastic diplomatic relationships with countries and incredible military reforms.

Rise of the Persian Empire:-

The Persians rose to power under the leadership of “Cyrus the Great”. They were a potential threat to the Egyptian kingdom as they expanded rapidly and did unbelievable expeditions.

In 525 BCE, under the rule of Cambyses II the Persians invaded Egypt. The Egyptian king Psamtik III just ascended to the throne and was not able to compete against the Persians.

Battle of Pelusium (First Persian Period):-

The epic confrontation between the Egyptian Empire and the Achaemenid Persian Empire occurred at the site of Pelusium. Cambyses II’s forces got a victory against the Egyptians and the 26th dynasty came to an end. The Persians captured the city of Memphis and the Egyptian’s rule ended. The Cambyses II became a Pharaoh and ruled Egypt as one of his territories thus marking the start of the 27th dynasty.

Brief Independence (28th-30th dynasty):-

The 28th dynasty was ruled by only one Pharaoh, Amyrtaeus of Sais. He revolted against the Persians and successfully fought and made himself a Pharaoh. After him, the 29th dynasty started under Nepherites I. He resisted the Persians but his descendants faced internal challenges. The 29th dynasty was overthrown by the 30th dynasty founder Nectanebo I.

The 30th dynasty of Egypt stabilised the country and boosted the economy whilst maintaining the sites and did military and architectural achievements. Under the rule of Nectanebo I’s grandson Nectanebo II (the last native Egyptian King), Egypt faced potential threats from Persians. Despite the fortifications and efforts, the Persians defeated the Egyptians in 343 BCE by Artaxerxes III marking the Second Persian Period and the Great Egyptian rule ceased to exist after more than 2500 years of legacy!

31st Dynasty:-

Artaxerxes III captured Egypt brutally by destroying temples and monuments. He integrated Egypt into the Persian Empire as its province. The Persians controlled the top government positions and were unliked by the majority due to heavy taxation and lethal policies.

In 338 BCE, Artaxerxes III was assassinated and Egyptians took advantage of the situation by revolting against the Persians. His successor Darius III tried to control the situation as local rulers tried to assert.

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Ptolemaic Period

A new beginning:-

In 332 BCE, Alexander the Great (Macedonian King) conquered Egypt by defeating the Persians and ended the late period. People embraced him as they were exhausted of Persian rulers. After Alexander’s death, his general (Ptolemy I) became the ruler of Egypt and declared himself a Pharaoh and the Ptolemaic Dynasty established in 305 BCE ruled for over 300 years.

Alexandria:-

During the Ptolemaic era, Alexandria became the new capital, a city founded by Alexander the Great. The rulers were of Greek origin and blended in their culture with the Egyptian culture. Unique art and culture were formed. Greek became the official language of the court. They portrayed them as divine rulers and respected the Egyptian religion to legitimise their rule.

Alexandria was the centre of culture and learning. It became one of the most influential cities of ancient times and the famous “Library of Alexandria” and “Lighthouse of Alexandria”. The “Lighthouse of Alexandria” is also one of the seven wonders of the World. The city attracted many scholars and became an intellectual hub.

Economy:-

The economy of Egypt boosted and the country became wealthier. They controlled all the trade routes and the land was very fertile. They also created the coinage system and used Egypt’s vast resources to add riches to the country.

Decline:-

The dynasty faced instability due to members of royal families conflicting over succession. It weakened the Kingdom and despite the struggles they maintained the Empire till the 1st century BCE and their power came to an end due to pressure from Rome.

Cleopatra VII, born in 69 BCE ascended to the crown at 51 BCE. She had an alliance and romantic relationship with Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony as Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE. It was part of her plan to maintain power over Egypt and strengthen ties with the Romans.

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Roman Conquest of Egypt:-

Relationship:-

Mark Antony was one of the key supporters of Julius Caesar. Cleopatra’s alliance with him caused conflicts between her and Octavian (Caesar’s heir).

Battle of Actium:-

The battle was fought between the Octavian and Mark Antony with Cleopatra in 31 BCE. Octavian won the battle and both of them committed suicide in 30 BCE.

Roman Province:-

After the death of Cleopatra, Egypt came under the rule of Octavian. Egypt became a Roman province thus marking the end of the Ptolemaic Period. It became an important part of the Roman Empire due to its wealth and agricultural resources.

Modern-day Egypt:-

Romans ruled over Egypt from 30 BCE to 641 CE. The Arab conquest of Egypt in 641 CE is an important event which lies the foundation of today’s Egypt. From 641 CE to 1517 CE, the Arabs ruled over Egypt. After that, the Ottomans gained power in the land from 1517 to 1805 CE. Later in 1882 CE, the British forces conquered Egypt.

For almost two millennia the Egyptians remained under the rule of foreign influence. Finally, in 1956 CE, Egypt gained total independence from the British occupation and became a republic country.