664-610 B.C.E.
King, Dynasty 26

Reunification. Psamtik I, a governor in Upper Egypt, was the son of Nekau I (672-664 B.C.E.), who ruled from Sais during a period of Assyrian influence. Egypt had experienced a period of division and weakness for more than four hundred years, and Nekau I was defeated during a Nubian invasion, forcing his son to leave Egypt. Initially using Assyrian support, Psamtik returned and gained control of the Delta; he then gradually expanded his authority as the Assyrians, who were fighting incursions in the home territories, weakened and withdrew. Psamtik used Greek mercenaries in his army, having negotiated an alliance with King Gyges of Lydia, and he gave land to them, forming a colony of Greeks in the Delta. The new king built a strong military, opened trade in the Mediterranean, reestablished a strong religion, and constructed grand...