The reign of Psamtik III, the final pharaoh of the Twenty-sixth Dynasty, lasted for a period of no more than six months. Ascending to the throne in 526 BC following the 44-year rule of his father, Amasis II, his short tenure concluded abruptly with the collapse of his kingdom under foreign military pressure in 525 BC.
Accession and Omen
Psamtik III succeeded his father, Amasis II, whose long and stable governance preceded him. His reign began with an event that generated local anxiety: a rare rainfall at Thebes shortly after his coronation. This meteorological anomaly was perceived by contemporaries as a negative omen for the young ruler. Historical accounts regarding his life and the specifics of his short administration are primarily sourced from the 5th-century BC Greek historian Herodotus.
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The stability of Egypt was challenged by the arrival of King Cambyses II. Crossing the Sinai desert with assistance from Arabians, the invading forces met the Egyptian army near Pelusium in the spring of 525 BC. The ensuing defeat forced Psamtik III to retreat to Memphis. The city eventually fell to the invaders following a prolonged siege, leading to the capture of the pharaoh himself.
Captivity and Retribution
Following his capture, Psamtik III faced a series of public demonstrations of Persian authority. Two thousand principal citizens, including a son of the pharaoh, were sentenced to death in response to the killing of a Persian ambassador and his crew. His daughter and the daughters of Egyptian noblemen were subjected to enslavement. The former monarch was eventually relocated to Susa, the capital of the Persian King, where he lived within the royal entourage.
Final Rebellion and Death
While residing in Susa, Psamtik III initiated efforts to incite a rebellion among the Egyptian population. Upon the discovery of this plot by Cambyses, the former pharaoh allegedly consumed bull's blood. This act resulted in his immediate death. Historical records date his death to 524 BC, marking the definitive end of his political career.
Fast facts
- Born: -600
- Died: -524
- Role: Pharaoh of Egypt
- Dynasty: Twenty-sixth Dynasty
- Reign period: 526 BC to 525 BC
- Father: Amasis II
- Mother: Queen Tentkheta
- Final location: Susa
Questions readers ask
How long did Psamtik III rule?
He ruled for no more than six months.
What caused the death of Psamtik III?
He died in Susa after consuming bull's blood following a failed attempt to incite a rebellion.
Achievements
- pharaoh (-0526–-0525)
