Third Intermediate Period
Tantamani (Tanutamun)
25th Dynasty (Kushite/Nubian) · 747-656 BCE
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The dream stele
Tantamani was the nephew of Taharqa. Upon taking the throne in Nubia, he recorded a vision on his Dream Stele where he saw two snakes, representing Upper and Lower Egypt. Interpreting this as divine authorization, he marched an army north, successfully recapturing Memphis and killing the Assyrian-appointed vassal king, Necho I.
The fall of Thebes
This victory provoked a swift and catastrophic retaliation from Ashurbanipal. The Assyrian military machine returned to Egypt, forcing Tantamani to abandon Memphis and flee south. The Assyrians pursued him all the way to Thebes. They completely sacked the ancient capital, carrying off incalculable wealth, including two solid electrum obelisks. Tantamani escaped back to Napata, and the 25th Dynasty's rule over Egypt was permanently broken.