Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt

26
Twenty-sixth Dynasty
672 BC — 525 BC
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This dynasty is also known as the Saite Period, named after the city of Sais where its pharaohs established their capital. The founder of the dynasty, Psamtik I, was probably a descendant of Bakenrenef of the Twenty-fourth Dynasty. There was a revival of Old Kingdom artistic and architectural styles, with a focus on monumental constructions, temple restorations and fine craftsmanship. The dynasty emphasised Egyptian traditions while also embracing foreign influences, particularly those from Greece. It balanced native traditions with foreign alliances, leaving a legacy of art, architecture, and maritime exploration.

In 525 BC, the Persian king Cambyses II invaded Egypt and defeated Psamtik III, the last Saite ruler, at the Battle of Pelusium. Psamtik III was captured and Egypt was swiftly incorporated into the Achaemenid Persian Empire as a satrapy. Psamtik III's reign lasted only about six months, and his rapid defeat marked the sudden end of the Saite Dynasty’s rule and Egypt’s independence.

Dynasty 26

The chronological order

It is important to note that the chronological order and dates of the kings is still a matter of debate and should therefore be treated with a certain degree of caution. As new research is conducted, the order may be subject to change, which is a fundamental principle that applies to all Egyptian dynasties.

Table 1: The kings of the Twenty-sixth Dynasty
№ Pharaoh Also known as
1Necho INekao I
2Psamtik IPsammetichus I
3Necho IINekao II
4Psamtik IIPsammetichus II
5ApriesHophra
6AmasisAhmose II, Ahmose III
7Psamtik IIIPsammecherites, Psammetichus III

The Twenty-sixth Dynasty according to Manetho

ACCORDING TO AFRICANUS

Twenty-sixth dynasty of nine kings of Sais

  1. Stephinates 7 years
  2. Nechepsos 6 years
  3. Nechao 8 years
  4. Psammetichos 54 years
  5. Nechao II 6 years
    He captured Jerusalem and led king Joachaz captive into Egypt.
  6. Another Psammouthis 6 years
  7. Ouaphris 19 years
    The remnant of the Jews fled to him when Jerusalem was captured by the Assyrians.
  8. Amosis 44 years
  9. Psammecherites 6 months
  10. Total 150 years
    6 months
ACCORDING TO EUSEBIOS

Twenty-sixth dynasty of nine kings of Sais

  1. Ammeris the Ethiopian 12 years
  2. Stephinathis 7 years
  3. Nechepsos 6 years
  4. Nechao 8 years
  5. Psammetichos 45 years
  6. Nechao II 6 years
    He seized Jerusalem and led king Joachaz captive into Egypt.
  7. Another Psammouthis, also known as Psammetichos 17 years
  8. Ouaphris 25 years
    The remnant of the Jews fled to him when Jerusalem was captured by the Assyrians.
  9. Amosis 42 years
  10. Total 163 years
ARMENIAN TRANSLATION

Twenty-sixth Dynasty of nine Saite kings

  1. Amerēs the Ethiopian 12 years
  2. Stepʻinatʻis 7 years
  3. Nekʻepʻsovs 6 years
  4. Nekʻawov 8 years
  5. Pʻsametikʻos 44 years
  6. Nekʻawov II 6 years
    He captured Jerusalem, and took king Jehoahaz back as a prisoner to Egypt.
  7. a second Pʻsamutʻēs
    also known as Pʻsamētikʻos17 years
  8. Vapʻrēs 25 years
    The remaining Jews fled to him after Jerusalem had been captured by the Assyrians.
  9. Amovsis 42 years
  10. In total 167 years

When the Nubian king defeated Bakenrenef of the Twenty-fourth Dynasty, he probably appointed a Nubian as governor of Sais, possibly Ammeris or Ameres ‘the Ethiopian’ mentioned by EUsebius. While there is agreement on the names of the first and last kings, there is disagreement on the years.

1

The sum of the individual items is 168 years.