Spätperioden

Spätperioden, also known as the Late Period, is a term used in the study of ancient Egyptian history to describe the final phase of the New Kingdom, which lasted from approximately 1070 to 664 BCE. This period is characterized by a series of short-lived dynasties, each ruled by a different family, leading to a fragmented and unstable political landscape. The Late Period is often divided into three main phases: the Twenty-first Dynasty, the Twenty-second Dynasty, and the Twenty-fifth Dynasty, with various interregnums in between.

The Twenty-first Dynasty, ruled by the Libyans, saw the capital moved to Thebes, marking a shift in political power from the traditional Theban region to the Nile Delta. The Twenty-second Dynasty, also known as the "Bubastite Dynasty," was characterized by a series of short-lived rulers who struggled to maintain control over the kingdom. The Twenty-fifth Dynasty, ruled by the Nubians, saw the capital moved back to Thebes, but the dynasty was short-lived and marked by internal strife and external threats.

The Late Period is also notable for its cultural and artistic developments. The period saw the rise of the New Kingdom's artistic style, with elaborate tombs and temples being constructed. The art of the Late Period is characterized by its naturalism and attention to detail, with many works depicting scenes from daily life and religious rituals.

The Late Period ended with the conquest of Egypt by the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great in 525 BCE. This marked the beginning of the Achaemenid Period, which saw the introduction of Persian culture and administration to Egypt. The Late Period is an important phase in the study of ancient Egyptian history, as it provides insight into the political, cultural, and artistic developments of the New Kingdom's final phase.