Piankhy

Piankhy was a ruler of Kush who conquered Egypt and established the Twenty-fifth Dynasty. He reigned from around 744 to 714 BC. Piankhy initiated his campaign north into Egypt in response to the growing power of the local rulers who had fractured the country. His forces advanced steadily, overcoming opposition from various city-states. Upon reaching Memphis, the capital, Piankhy accepted the surrender of its rulers and consolidated his control over the Egyptian Delta.

Following his victory, Piankhy established himself as the pharaoh of Egypt, though he continued to rule from his capital in Napata, in Nubia. His reign is characterized by a revival of Egyptian culture and religious traditions, which had seen a decline in the preceding years. Piankhy commissioned extensive building projects, including the restoration of temples and the construction of his own pyramid and mortuary complex at El-Kurru. His military successes and his promotion of traditional Egyptian values left a significant mark on the history of both Kush and Egypt, ushering in a period of Nubian rule that would last for several decades. He is often remembered for his piety and his respect for the ancient gods of Egypt.