Late Period
The Late Period refers to a significant era in the history of Ancient Egypt, spanning from approximately 664 BC to 332 BC. This period is marked by the decline of the New Kingdom and the subsequent fragmentation of Egypt into smaller states, followed by periods of reunification and foreign domination.
Historical Context
- Predecessor Era: The Third Intermediate Period, which saw Egypt divided into multiple small kingdoms, set the stage for the Late Period.
- Beginnings: The Late Period begins with the 25th Dynasty, also known as the Kushite Dynasty, when Egypt was reunified under the rule of Nubian kings from the kingdom of Kush.
Key Dynasties
- 25th Dynasty: This dynasty was established by Nubian rulers from Kush, who conquered Egypt around 747 BC. Notable rulers include Piye, Shabaka, and Taharqa. Their rule is often characterized by efforts to restore traditional Egyptian culture and religious practices.
- 26th Dynasty (Saite Period): Following the expulsion of the Nubians by the Assyrians, local Egyptian rulers, particularly from Sais, regained control. This period is known for its renaissance in Egyptian art, culture, and the strengthening of Egypt's military and economy.
- 27th to 31st Dynasties: After the Saite Period, Egypt experienced multiple foreign dominations:
Cultural and Political Developments
- The Late Period is noted for its cultural revival, with efforts to restore temples, revive traditional religious practices, and promote the Egyptian language and hieroglyphs.
- There was significant interaction with foreign cultures, particularly during the Persian periods, which influenced art, architecture, and administrative practices.
- The period also saw a rise in the importance of the Apries, who attempted to assert Egyptian independence against foreign rulers.
End of the Late Period
The Late Period came to an end when Alexander the Great conquered Egypt, leading to the establishment of the Ptolemaic Egypt, which integrated Hellenistic culture into the Egyptian society, marking a new phase in Egyptian history.
Sources
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