Amasis II

d. 525 BC

KHUFU CONSTRUCTING HIS PYRAMID

Amasis II was the last king of Egypt before the Persian conquest. He enjoyed an exceptionally long and prosperous reign of nearly 45 years, and died only six months before the invasion of Egypt by Cambyses. Amasis was not born of royal stock, but seized the thrown when the army rebelled against Apries, the incompetent previous king. Amasis, on the other hand, was a very astute leader who cultivated good relationships with both the native classes, and sophisticated and wealthy foreigners. During his long reign he made commercial and strategic alliances with various Greek leaders including Croesus of Lydia, and Polycrates of Samos. He allowed Greeks traders to develop colonies on the Nile, and did much to adorn and beautify his major cities. He even married a Greek princes from Cyrene. By the end of his reign, hostilities had already commenced with the Persians, and his alliance with Polycrates had ended. He died while making preparations for the invasion, leaving his son Psammetichus III, a reign of only a few months before he was overthrown.

Key events during the life of Amasis II:

Year	Event
570 BC	Egyptian troops revolt against King Apries, and declare Amasis II king.
568 BC	Amasis II repels an attack against Egypt by Nebuchadrezzar of Bablyon.
566 BC	Apries, the former king, finally put to death three years after capture.
	Developed successful commercial and strategic alliances with Greek rulers.
	Married Ladice, daughter of the king of Cyrene.
546 BC	Croesus of Lydia, an ally of Amasis II, is overthrown by Cyrus.
535 BC	Alliance with Polycrates of Samos is made.
	Sent Cyrus an imposter instead of his own daughter in marriage, thereby incurring the wrath of the Persians.
	Built many shrines and temples in Egypt. Also contributeed to the rebuilding of the temple of Delphi.
529 BC	Cambyses ascends to the throne of Persia, and threatens to invade Persia.
527 BC	Alliance with Polycrates collapses after incident involving the famous Ring of Polycrates.
526 BC	Amasis II dies, and Cambyses soon thereafter invades and conquers Egypt.

Other Resources

Story Links	Book Links
Cambyses  in	Darius the Great  by  Jacob Abbott
The Provinces  in	Darius the Great  by  Jacob Abbott
Of the Manners of the Egyptians  in	Stories of the East From Herodotus  by  Alfred J. Church
Of Certain Other Kings of Egypt  in	Stories of the East From Herodotus  by  Alfred J. Church

Contemporary	Short Biography
Cyrus the Great	Prince of Persia who overran Medes, Lydia and Assyria to create the Persian Empire.
Cambyses	Eldest son of Cyrus. Invaded Egypt, killed brother, then died.
Polycrates	Prosperous king of Samos who was overthrown by Oretes, his enemy from Asia Minor.
Croesus	Wealthy monarch of Lydia who lost his kingdom to Cyrus the Great.
Apries	Former King of Egypt; overthrown by Amasis II.
Battus of Cyrene	King of Cyrene; offered daughters hand in marriage to Amasis II.
Psammetichus III	Son of Amasis II. Ascended to throne immediately before Persian invasion.