343: Egypt to Achaemenid Empire - Scroll Down for more details

The Persian Reconquest of Egypt (343 BCE) - The Fall of the 30th Dynasty

Content:

In 343 BCE, the Achaemenid Persian Empire, under King Artaxerxes III, successfully reconquered Egypt, marking the end of the native Egyptian 30th Dynasty and the brief period of independence Egypt had enjoyed since 404 BCE. This event was a pivotal moment in the struggle between Egypt and Persia, demonstrating the resilience of Persian imperial ambitions and the challenges faced by Egypt in maintaining its sovereignty.

Background: Egypt's Temporary Independence (404-343 BCE)

After the death of Darius II in 404 BCE, Egypt, under Pharaoh Amyrtaeus, successfully revolted against Persian rule, establishing the 28th Dynasty. Over the next six decades, native Egyptian pharaohs (29th and 30th Dynasties) ruled Egypt, resisting repeated Persian attempts at reconquest. However, internal divisions and weak leadership made Egypt vulnerable.

Artaxerxes III's Campaign (343 BCE)

Artaxerxes III (r. 358-338 BCE) was determined to restore Persian control over Egypt, a wealthy and strategically vital province. After earlier failed invasions, he launched a massive campaign in 343 BCE, bolstered by Greek mercenaries (including those from Thebes) and careful planning.

• Military Strategy: The Persians exploited divisions among Egyptian rulers. Pharaoh Nectanebo II, the last native ruler of the 30th Dynasty, faced betrayal from key allies, including the Greek mercenary general Mentor of Rhodes, who defected to the Persians.
  
• Fall of Key Cities: The Persians advanced through the Nile Delta, capturing key strongholds such as Pelusium and Memphis. Nectanebo II fled to Nubia, ending native Egyptian resistance.

Aftermath: Persian Rule Restored

Artaxerxes III brutally reasserted control, looting temples and installing a harsh administration. Egypt became a satrapy once more, though Persian rule would be short-lived—Alexander the Great's conquest in 332 BCE ended Achaemenid dominance for good.

Significance

• End of Native Rule: The 343 BCE conquest marked the last time a native Egyptian dynasty ruled until the modern era.
  
• Persian Resilience: Demonstrated the Achaemenid Empire's ability to recover lost territories, though its dominance was waning.
  
• Precursor to Alexander: The weakened Persian grip on Egypt made it easier for Alexander to seize the region a decade later.

This event underscores the cyclical nature of power in the ancient Near East, where empires rose and fell, and Egypt—prized for its wealth and grain—remained a contested prize.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect of this conflict?