Description
Book SynopsisIn the 660s BC Egypt was a politically fragmented and occupied country. However, this was to change when a family of local rulers from the city of Sais declared independence from the Assyrian Empire, and in a few short years succeeded in bringing about the reunification of Egypt. The Saites established central government, reformed the economy and promoted trade. The country became prosperous, achieving a pre-eminent role in the Mediterranean world. This is the first monograph devoted entirely to a detailed exploration of the Saite Dynasty. It reveals the dynamic nature of the period, the astuteness of the Saite rulers and their considerable achievements in the political, economic, administrative and cultural spheres. It will appeal not only to students of Egyptology but also, because of the interactions of the Saite Dynasty with the Aegean and Mesopotamia worlds, to anyone interested in ancient history.
Table of ContentsForeword by Campbell Price
Preface
Chronologies
1 Political turmoil and 'Libyan' settlers: setting the scene
2 Nubian and Assyrian invaders
3 Psamtek 'the Great': reunification of Egypt
4 Egypt, a new beginning: foreign relations and internal reforms
5 The heirs of Psamtek I: Nekau II and Psamtek II
6 Haaibra versus Ahmose II: civil war to prosperity
7 Fall of the house of Sais: the last Saite ruler, Psamtek III
8 The Saite era within the history of Pharaonic civilisation
References
Index
