Nectanebo II (Nakhthorheb)

The final native pharaoh

Nectanebo II ascended the throne following the coup against his uncle Teos and presided over a vibrant cultural renaissance, marked by magnificent artistic achievements and major temple construction. He actively supported anti-Persian revolts in Phoenicia and Cyprus, successfully repelling an initial invasion by Artaxerxes III in 351 BCE. However, a massive subsequent Persian assault in 343 BCE, aided by the betrayal of Greek commander Mentor of Roads, shattered Egypt's defenses, prompting Nectanebo II to flee south to Nubia and ending over three millennia of native dynastic rule.