Shebitku

Shebitku was a pharaoh of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty of Egypt. He reigned during the Third Intermediate Period. He is believed to have been the son of Piye and the brother of his predecessor, Shabaka. Shebitku ascended to the throne around 714 BCE. His reign is marked by continued Kushite rule over Egypt.

Shebitku faced challenges from the Neo-Assyrian Empire to the east. He attempted to maintain Egyptian influence in the Levant, intervening in conflicts there. This policy brought him into direct confrontation with Assyrian expansionism. He is known to have supported Palestinian principalities rebelling against Assyrian overlordship. This led to a significant Assyrian campaign against Egypt during his reign.

Despite his efforts, Shebitku's rule was eventually overshadowed by Assyrian military might. He is thought to have died around 707 BCE, with his successor, Taharqa, inheriting the ongoing struggle against Assyria. Little is known about Shebitku's personal life or specific domestic policies beyond his involvement in foreign affairs. His reign represents a crucial period of interaction and conflict between Egypt and the rising Assyrian power.