The
Thirtieth Dynasty took up the torch of the Twenty-ninth (Mendesian)
Dynasty when Nectanebo, a general from Sebennytos, dethroned
Nepherites II by force. In thirty-eight years, three pharaohs —
Nectanebo I, Djedhor and Nectanebo II wrote the history of the
last
native dynasty,
succeeding, despite palace crises, in dotting the land with splendid
monuments of stone and maintaining a prosperous, independent status
for Egypt, which remained alone in the face of the enormous Persian
empire. In the temples, they undertook vast programs of
architectural embellishment, including enclosure walls, propylons,
processional roads, shrines, and monoliths.
Nectanebo
(Nectanebos) is a Greek form of Egyptian name: Nekhet-nebef
(nxt-nb.f).
Founder of the last true Egyptian dynasty. Gained protection of
priests from Sais by assigning to them a part of import taxes
imposed to the city of Naucratis. He concluded a treaty with Athens
but after a time Greek chieftain Khabias
and considerable part of Greek mercenaries were recalled back to
Athens. Subsequently, Egypt was attacked by Artaxerxes
II, whose mighty army of 200 thousand soldiers was commanded by
Syrian satrap Farnabasos.
They reached as far as to the eastern Delta in 373 BC. Nile
inundation prevented Persians from continuing their march and forced
them to retreat. Nectanebo
was remembered as a great builder, left numerous monuments as a
testimony of the splendour of his reign.
Son
and successor of Nectanebo I. He continued the politics adopted by
his father and lead to increased imposition of duties paid for Greek
mercenaries. Disfavoured by clergy, confiscated a lot of temple
treasuries.To this period are dated the first preserved
Egyptian coins. He personally lead a successful campaign to Syria,
supported at the sea by 200 triers. At that time in Egypt his
brother, who was a regent, rebelled against him and declared king
his own son – Nectanebo II, while Teos fled to Persia.
Nectanebo
(Nectanebos) is a Greek form of Egyptian name: Nekhet-Her-hebet
(nxt
Hr-xbt).
Nectanebo II was the last king of true Egyptian dynasty. In 350 BC
Persian expedition against Egypt fails due to pestilence outburst in
Persian army. However few years later a mighty army of 300 thousand
Persian soldiers, lead by Artaxerxes
III Okhos, defeated
much weaker Egyptians. Nectanebo hat to flee to the south where he
had survived for some time thereafter until finally disappeared
without leaving any trace.