26th Dynasty

The 26th Dynasty of Egypt was the period following the Babylonian invasion of 564 B.C., during the First Persian Occupation (27th Dynasty). This dynasty lasted from 543 to 404 B.C., 139 years total. It followed the 25th Dynasty and was followed by the 28th Dynasty. Five pharaohs ruled in this time, Psamtik I, Necho II, Psamtik II, Apries, and Amasis. In the traditional history, Psamtik III is to be included following Amasis, but he should be equated with Amyrtaeus of the 28th Dynasty.

This dynasty began when Cyrus the Great invaded the Nile delta in 543 B.C., expelling the remaining Babylonian garrisons and Tanuatamon. He appointed Psamtik I as governor over the region, a satrap of the Achaemenid Empire. Psamtik made it his goal to restore Egypt to its former glory, which was accomplished by 525 B.C. He continued to rule until his death in 489 B.C., when his son was made ruler of Egypt.

Necho II ruled from 489 to 474 B.C., his only noteworthy achievement being gaining Egyptian independence from Persia for three years during his rule. His son Psamtik II succeeded him, and ruled for six more years. Apries, also known as Amyrtaeus (I), ruled from 468 to 449 B.C., and rebelled against Persia for nearly two decades (465 to 446 B.C.). This is known as the Inaros rebellion.

Amasis, the final ruler of this dynasty, usurped the throne in the last years of the second Egyptian rebellion, and ruled for 44 years. His reign was prosperous for Egypt, creating a Mediterranean trading empire and bringing wealth to Egypt. However, he died in 404 B.C., opening the throne for Amyrtaeus, the grandson of Apries.

The evidence for the revised history can be found at Displaced Dynasties. Evidence concerning this dynasty can be found here.