Egyptian Dynasties > Twenty-Seventh Dynasty of Egypt (Persians)

Twenty-Seventh Dynasty of Egypt (Persians)

Background

The Twenty-Seventh Dynasty of Egypt, also spelled as the 27th Dynasty or Dynasty XXVII was also known as the First Egyptian Satrapy due to it being a dynasty of vassal kings installed by the Achaemenid Empire. It was first established by the son of Cyrus the Great named Cambyses II who defeated the last king of the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty named Psamtik III in May of 525 BCE at the Battle of Pelusium.

The Twenty-Seventh Dynasty of Egypt, also known as the First Persian Period, was a period of foreign rule in ancient Egyptian history. Here's an overview:

1. Duration and Context: The Twenty-Seventh Dynasty lasted from approximately 525 BCE to 404 BCE. It began with the conquest of Egypt by the Achaemenid Persian Empire under the rule of King Cambyses II, son of Cyrus the Great. This period marked the end of the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty and the onset of Persian rule in Egypt.

2. Persian Conquest: The Achaemenid Persians invaded Egypt in 525 BCE, defeating the native Egyptian forces and bringing the country under their control. The Persians appointed satraps, or governors, to administer Egypt on behalf of the Persian king.

3. Satrapy of Egypt: Egypt became a satrapy, or province, of the Persian Empire. The Persian satraps governed Egypt with the assistance of local Egyptian officials. They were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and overseeing the administration of justice.

4. Cultural and Religious Policies: The Persian rulers generally allowed Egypt to maintain its distinct cultural and religious traditions. They continued to worship Egyptian gods and goddesses alongside Persian deities. However, the Persians also promoted the worship of their own gods and encouraged the construction of Persian-style temples in Egypt.

5. Art and Architecture: The art and architecture of the Twenty-Seventh Dynasty continued to reflect Egyptian traditions, although there was also some influence from Persian artistic styles. Temples and monuments were still constructed during this period, although they often incorporated elements of both Egyptian and Persian design.

6. Resistance and Revolts: Throughout the Twenty-Seventh Dynasty, there were sporadic revolts and uprisings against Persian rule. Some Egyptians sought to overthrow their Persian overlords and restore native rule, while others collaborated with the Persians in exchange for positions of power and privilege.

7. Decline and End: The Twenty-Seventh Dynasty came to an end with the rise of native Egyptian rulers who sought to overthrow Persian rule and reassert Egypt's independence. The Persian satraps were eventually driven out of Egypt, leading to the establishment of the Twenty-Eighth Dynasty under native Egyptian rule.

In summary, the Twenty-Seventh Dynasty of Egypt represents a period of foreign domination and political upheaval during the Late Period of ancient Egyptian history. Despite Persian rule, Egypt maintained its distinct cultural identity and continued to play a significant role in the politics and affairs of the ancient Near East.

Late Period of Egypt

• Twenty-Sixth Dynasty of Egypt
• Twenty-Seventh Dynasty of Egypt
• Twenty-Eighth Dynasty of Egypt
• Twenty-Ninth Dynasty of Egypt
• Thirtieth Dynasty of Egypt
• Thirty-First Dynasty of Egypt

Dynasties

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