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Why did Ashurbanipal not try to reconquer Egypt after 654 BCE?

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Lion Hunt of Ashurbanipal — Ashurbanipal Ashurbanipal depicted in a lion hunt in an Assyrian relief from his northern palace in Nineveh; now in the British Museum.

After the Assyrian garrisons were expelled from Egypt in 654 BCE, Ashurbanipal did not attempt to reconquer the region. By this time, the local ruler Psamtik I had successfully dislodged the Assyrian forces with the assistance of Carian and Ionian mercenaries, effectively restoring Egyptian independence.1

Ashurbanipal’s decision not to pursue further military intervention was likely influenced by a shift in his strategic priorities. Although the loss of Egypt was a setback, trade between the two regions continued, which meant the loss resulted in little actual weakening of his position. Furthermore, Ashurbanipal was occupied with significant challenges elsewhere in his empire, including the need to maintain control over Babylonia, manage threats from Elam, and address the activities of various tribes and neighboring powers. His focus remained on securing the core of his empire and managing internal stability rather than overextending his military resources to reclaim a territory that was no longer essential to his immediate security.21