# Psamtik II

> 3rd Egyptian pharaoh of the 26th dynasty

**Wikidata**: [Q373521](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q373521)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psamtik_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/psamtik-ii

## Summary
Psamtik II was the third pharaoh of the 26th dynasty of Ancient Egypt, ruling during a period of political consolidation and cultural revival. He succeeded Necho II and was known for continuing the Egyptian royal lineage through dynastic transition. His reign marked a brief but significant continuation of native Egyptian rule before the Persian conquest.

## Biography
- Born: Circa 700 BCE (exact date unknown)
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Reigning as the third pharaoh of the 26th dynasty of Egypt
- Employer(s): Ruler of Ancient Egypt (self-employed sovereign)
- Field(s): Ancient Egyptian politics and governance

## Contributions
Psamtik II's primary contributions include:
- Continuing the 26th dynasty's legacy as a native Egyptian royal line
- Succeeding Necho II and preceding Apries in the line of succession
- Preserving Egyptian traditions during a time of increasing foreign influence
- Commissioning military expeditions, including a notable campaign into Nubia
- Supporting the restoration of Egyptian art and monumental architecture

## FAQs
**Who was Psamtik II?**  
Psamtik II was the third pharaoh of the 26th dynasty of Egypt and the son of Necho II. He ruled during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE and was succeeded by Apries.

**What dynasty did Psamtik II belong to?**  
He belonged to the 26th dynasty of Egypt, also known as the Saite dynasty, which ruled during the late and early 6th centuries BCE.

**Who succeeded Psamtik II?**  
Psamtik II was succeeded by Apries, who became the fourth pharaoh of the 26th dynasty.

**What is Psamtik II known for?**  
Psamtik II is known for continuing the native Egyptian rule of the 26th dynasty, leading military campaigns into Nubia, and maintaining traditional Egyptian culture during his reign.

**What role did Psamtik II play in Egyptian history?**  
Psamtik II played a transitional role in Egyptian history, bridging the reigns of his father Necho II and his successor Apries, and maintaining the political and cultural integrity of the 26th dynasty.

## Why They Matter
Psamtik II matters because he represented a brief but crucial phase of native Egyptian rule during the late 26th dynasty. His reign helped maintain Egyptian sovereignty and cultural identity before the Persian conquest. His military campaigns and architectural patronage also contributed to the continuity of Egyptian traditions during a period of increasing foreign influence.

## Notable For
- Being the third pharaoh of the 26th dynasty of Egypt
- Leading a military expedition into Nubia
- Continuing the Saite tradition of Egyptian governance
- Being succeeded by Apries
- Being the son and successor of Necho II
- Reigning during a transitional period in Egyptian history

## Body
### Early Life and Lineage
Psamtik II was born into the royal family of the 26th dynasty, the son of Necho II, the second pharaoh of the same dynasty. His early life is not well-documented, but he was groomed for leadership within the Egyptian royal court. His reign began after the death of his father, Necho II, and he ruled during a time of increasing foreign pressures on Egypt.

### Reign and Governance
Psamtik II ruled as the third pharaoh of the 26th dynasty, continuing the legacy of his father and grandfather, Psamtik I. His reign was characterized by efforts to maintain Egyptian sovereignty and cultural identity. He ruled from approximately 595 BCE until his death in 589 BCE. His governance emphasized traditional Egyptian practices and the restoration of monuments and temples.

### Military Campaigns
One of Psamtik II's most notable actions was leading a military campaign into Nubia. This expedition was aimed at reasserting Egyptian influence in the region and is recorded in inscriptions and historical accounts. The campaign demonstrated the continued military capability of the Egyptian state under the 26th dynasty.

### Succession and Legacy
Psamtik II was succeeded by Apries, who was likely his chosen heir. His death in 589 BCE marked the end of a brief but significant reign. His legacy includes efforts to preserve Egyptian traditions and maintain political stability during a time of increasing Persian influence in the region.

### Cultural and Historical Context
The 26th dynasty, also known as the Saite dynasty, was a period of renewed Egyptian nationalism and cultural revival. Psamtik II's reign occurred during this era, and he contributed to the restoration of traditional Egyptian art, architecture, and religious practices. His rule is often studied in the context of the broader narrative of Egyptian dynasties and the evolution of the pharaonic system.

### Death and Burial
Psamtik II died in 589 BCE. While details of his burial are not provided in the source material, his death marked the end of his reign and the beginning of Apries' rule. His passing was a significant moment in the history of the 26th dynasty, as it led to a succession crisis and eventual Persian dominance.

### Influence and Reputation
Psamtik II is remembered as a transitional figure in Egyptian history, bridging the reigns of his predecessors and successors. His influence is evident in his efforts to maintain Egyptian sovereignty and cultural identity during a time of increasing foreign pressures. His legacy is tied to the broader narrative of Egyptian dynasties and the evolution of the pharaonic system.

### External References and Identifiers
Psamtik II is referenced in various databases and archives, including:
- **Wikidata ID**: Q125102
- **Wikipedia Title**: Psamtik II
- **Aliases**: Psammetichos II, Psammetichus II, Psamtek II
- **External Identifiers**: P18 (image), P373 (category), P569 (birth date), P570 (death date), P646 (Freebase ID), P1185 (BnF ID), P1296 (Library of Congress ID), P1417 (Encyclopedia Britannica ID), P1711 (British Museum ID), P4212 (Bibliothèque nationale de France ID), P4342 (Reallexikon ID), P4553 (Getty Thesaurus ID), P6404 (Spanish Wikipedia), P7305 (BnF ID), P7786 (T93-469), P10242 (BnF ID), P12187 (BnF ID), P12385 (BnF ID)

### Architectural and Monumental Patronage
Psamtik II is known to have supported the restoration of Egyptian monuments and temples, continuing the Saite tradition of architectural patronage. His reign saw efforts to preserve and restore traditional Egyptian art and religious practices, contributing to the cultural continuity of the 26th dynasty.

### Political Legacy
Psamtik II's political legacy includes his efforts to maintain Egyptian sovereignty during a period of increasing foreign influence. His reign was marked by efforts to preserve Egyptian traditions and maintain political stability. His rule is often studied in the context of the broader narrative of Egyptian dynasties and the evolution of the pharaonic system.

## References

1. Dictionary of African Biography
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013