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How did Psamtik I help Egypt regain independence from Assyria?
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Ashurbanipal
Ashurbanipal depicted in a lion hunt in an Assyrian relief from his northern palace in Nineveh; now in the British Museum.
Psamtik I secured Egypt's independence from the Assyrian Empire through a series of strategic political and military maneuvers following his appointment as a local ruler by Ashurbanipal.21
His path to independence involved several key actions:
- Strategic Alliances: Psamtik rejected his status as an Assyrian vassal and negotiated an alliance with Gyges, the king of Lydia. This partnership provided the support necessary to subdue other Assyrian-backed princes and vassals in the Nile Delta between 658 and 651 BCE.2
- Military Reform: To reduce reliance on the local military class, he organized a corps of Greek mercenaries. This force was instrumental in consolidating his control over Egypt.2
- Consolidation of Power: He established his capital at Sais and secured the wealth of the temples by negotiating the adoption of his daughter by the priestess of Amon. He further strengthened his position by installing loyal officials and placing military garrisons throughout Upper and Middle Egypt.2
By 654 BCE, these efforts resulted in the expulsion of Assyrian garrisons from Egypt, successfully restoring the nation's independence.1