DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.5066#0475
444 NEKU II.
True it is that it was wanting in that boldness and
vigour which characterised the work of the Ancient
Empire ; but the ideas were the same, though the results
showed the touch of Hellenic influence.
Psamthek spent his long reign of fifty-four years in
restoring the temples which had fallen into decay in
the troublous times which preceded him, in fostering
art, and in strengthening the kingdom. He made a
successful expedition into Ethiopia, and re-conquered
part of Nubia. Then turning his attention to the in-
ternal affairs of the country, he made a treaty of com-
merce with the Greeks, by which their merchants were
to be allowed to settle in the Delta. He enlisted also
a large body of mercenaries from among the CarianS
and Ionians, through whom he had gained his crown;
but this so enraged his Egyptian and Libyan soldiers
that 200,000 of them deserted and went over to the
king of Ethiopia. This information is gained from
Herodotus, the truth of which is confirmed by a Greek
inscription on one of the colossal figures at Abu Simbel-
With the help of the Phoenicians Psamthek built a fleet,
and attempted the recovery of the Egyptian power in
Western Asia; but he was only successful in re-con'
quering Ashdod, after a siege which lasted twenty-nine
years.
Neku LT., B.C. 612-596. — Psamthek I. was suc-
ceeded by his son Neku, a king full of energy, and
very brave, but wanting in prudence. The fleet
established by his father was maintained, and ships
were stationed both on the Eed Sea and at the mouths
of the Nile; and by his orders Phoenician sailors suc-
cessfully circumnavigated Africa. Neku also endea-
voured to re-construct the canal from the Nile to the
Eed Sea, which had been attempted by both Seti J-
and Eamses n. It was cut from the eastern side of the
True it is that it was wanting in that boldness and
vigour which characterised the work of the Ancient
Empire ; but the ideas were the same, though the results
showed the touch of Hellenic influence.
Psamthek spent his long reign of fifty-four years in
restoring the temples which had fallen into decay in
the troublous times which preceded him, in fostering
art, and in strengthening the kingdom. He made a
successful expedition into Ethiopia, and re-conquered
part of Nubia. Then turning his attention to the in-
ternal affairs of the country, he made a treaty of com-
merce with the Greeks, by which their merchants were
to be allowed to settle in the Delta. He enlisted also
a large body of mercenaries from among the CarianS
and Ionians, through whom he had gained his crown;
but this so enraged his Egyptian and Libyan soldiers
that 200,000 of them deserted and went over to the
king of Ethiopia. This information is gained from
Herodotus, the truth of which is confirmed by a Greek
inscription on one of the colossal figures at Abu Simbel-
With the help of the Phoenicians Psamthek built a fleet,
and attempted the recovery of the Egyptian power in
Western Asia; but he was only successful in re-con'
quering Ashdod, after a siege which lasted twenty-nine
years.
Neku LT., B.C. 612-596. — Psamthek I. was suc-
ceeded by his son Neku, a king full of energy, and
very brave, but wanting in prudence. The fleet
established by his father was maintained, and ships
were stationed both on the Eed Sea and at the mouths
of the Nile; and by his orders Phoenician sailors suc-
cessfully circumnavigated Africa. Neku also endea-
voured to re-construct the canal from the Nile to the
Eed Sea, which had been attempted by both Seti J-
and Eamses n. It was cut from the eastern side of the