664–610 BCE
26th Dynasty of Egypt (Saite)
664–525 BCE
The 26th Dynasty, also called the Saite dynasty, reunited Egypt under Psamtik I after the Assyrian withdrawal. It is remembered for a cultural revival that looked back to the Old Kingdom, and for close ties with Greek mercenaries and traders, including the settlement at Naukratis.
Necho II and Apries campaigned in the Levant and Amasis II ruled for a long and prosperous reign. Psamtik III lost Egypt to Cambyses II of Persia in 525 BCE.
- Period
- Late Period
- Dates
- 664–525 BCE
- Rulers profiled
- 6
Rulers of the 26th Dynasty (Saite)
Best-known rulers: Psamtik I; Necho II; Psamtik II; Apries; Amasis II; Psamtik III. Every ruler profile in the archive for this dynasty, in the order used by the chronology. Each name links to a full profile with dates, background, sources and illustrations.
610–595 BCE
595–589 BCE
589–570 BCE
570–526 BCE
526–525 BCE
Major monuments
- Sais
- Serapeum monuments
- canal and temple works
Key events
- Expulsion of Assyrians
- Levantine campaigns
- Persian conquest under Cambyses II.
Reading the evidence
Greek and Near Eastern written sources are valuable but partial; Egyptian evidence remains essential.
Sources: Shaw (2000); Metropolitan Museum; UCL Digital Egypt. See the full bibliography.