380: Thirtieth Dynasty of Egypt - Scroll Down for more details

The Rise of the Thirtieth Dynasty - Egypt's Last Native Pharaohs (380 BCE)

Introduction

In 380 BCE, Egypt witnessed the establishment of the Thirtieth Dynasty, the last native Egyptian ruling house before the Persian reconquest and the eventual arrival of Alexander the Great. This dynasty marked a brief resurgence of Egyptian power, culture, and independence under pharaohs who sought to restore the glory of the New Kingdom.

Historical Context

Before the Thirtieth Dynasty, Egypt had endured a period of instability under Persian rule (the Twenty-Seventh Dynasty, 525-404 BCE). A successful revolt led by Amyrtaeus (404 BCE) initiated the Twenty-Eighth Dynasty, but it was short-lived. The Twenty-Ninth Dynasty (399-380 BCE) followed, but internal strife weakened its rule.

In 380 BCE, Nectanebo I (Nekhtnebef), a military general from Sebennytos in the Nile Delta, seized power, founding the Thirtieth Dynasty. His reign marked the beginning of a determined effort to repel Persian invasions and revive traditional Egyptian culture.

Key Events {content}amp; Achievements

1. Nectanebo I's Reign (380-362 BCE)
   • Military Successes: Nectanebo I successfully defended Egypt against a massive Persian invasion in 373 BCE, using strategic flooding of the Nile Delta to thwart enemy advances.
     
   • Building Projects: He commissioned numerous temples, including additions to the sacred precincts of Karnak and Philae, reinforcing Egypt's religious traditions.
2. Teos (362-360 BCE) {content}amp; the Failed Persian Campaign
   • Nectanebo I's son, Teos (Djedhor), attempted an ambitious campaign against Persia but faced rebellion at home. His nephew, Nectanebo II, usurped the throne.
3. Nectanebo II (360-343 BCE) - The Last Native Pharaoh
   • The most famous ruler of the dynasty, Nectanebo II, continued extensive temple constructions (e.g., the Temple of Isis at Behbeit el-Hagar).
     
   • Despite initial successes, he was eventually defeated by Artaxerxes III of Persia in 343 BCE, ending native Egyptian rule.

Legacy

The Thirtieth Dynasty was Egypt's final period of independence under indigenous rulers. Though brief, it saw a revival of art, architecture, and national identity. After its fall, Egypt would be ruled by Persians, then Greeks (Ptolemaic Dynasty), and finally Romans.

Conclusion

The year 380 BCE marked the beginning of Egypt's last native dynasty—a fleeting but culturally rich era that resisted foreign domination before succumbing to the tides of history.

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