Late Period and Persian Conquest

Late Period and Persian Conquest

Introduction

The Late Period of Ancient Egypt (664-332 BCE) was a time of political instability and foreign domination. The period began with the conquest of Egypt by the Assyrians in 664 BCE and ended with the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE. During this time, Egypt was ruled by a series of native Egyptian dynasties, as well as by foreign powers such as the Assyrians, Persians, and Greeks.

The Late Period Dynasties

The Late Period of Ancient Egypt was divided into three main dynasties:

  • The Twenty-Sixth Dynasty (664-525 BCE): This dynasty was founded by Psamtik I, who was able to expel the Assyrians from Egypt and restore Egyptian independence. The Twenty-Sixth Dynasty was a time of relative prosperity and stability.
  • The Twenty-Seventh Dynasty (525-404 BCE): This dynasty was founded by Cambyses II, who conquered Egypt and made it a province of the Persian Empire. The Twenty-Seventh Dynasty was a time of Persian domination and oppression.
  • The Twenty-Eighth Dynasty (404-398 BCE): This dynasty was founded by Amyrtaeus, who was able to expel the Persians from Egypt and restore Egyptian independence. The Twenty-Eighth Dynasty was a short-lived dynasty that was eventually overthrown by the Persians.

The Persian Conquest

In 525 BCE, the Persian king Cambyses II invaded Egypt and conquered the country. The Persians ruled Egypt for over 200 years, until they were expelled by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE. The Persian conquest had a profound impact on Egypt. The Persians introduced new administrative and economic systems, and they also promoted the spread of Zoroastrianism, the official religion of the Persian Empire.

The Impact of the Late Period

The Late Period was a time of great change and upheaval for Egypt. The country was conquered by foreign powers, and its political and economic systems were disrupted. However, the Late Period also saw the development of new forms of art and literature, and the spread of new religious ideas. The Late Period was a time of transition, and it laid the foundation for the Hellenistic period that followed.

Conclusion

The Late Period of Ancient Egypt was a time of political instability and foreign domination. However, it was also a time of great cultural and intellectual achievement. The Late Period saw the development of new forms of art and literature, and the spread of new religious ideas. The Late Period was a time of transition, and it laid the foundation for the Hellenistic period that followed.