Piye

Piye was a powerful Kushite king who founded the Twenty-fifth Dynasty of Egypt. He ruled from the city of Napata, located in Nubia in modern-day Sudan. His reign lasted from 744 to 714 BC. Piye is a major figure in history because he expanded Nubian power into Egypt. He took the throne names Usimare and Sneferre. Piye was also deeply religious and a devoted follower of the god Amun.

Piye used his religious devotion to strengthen his rule and his connection to Egypt. He worked to revitalize the Great Temple of Amun at Jebel Barkal. This temple was originally built under Thutmose III during the New Kingdom. To repair it, Piye employed many skilled sculptors and stonemasons from Egypt. This project helped link the culture of Kush with the traditions of Egypt. His devotion to Amun shaped how he conducted his leadership and his military campaigns.

Piye’s rise to power was driven by the political instability in Egypt. At the time, various Egyptian rulers were fighting among themselves. A leader named Tefnakht formed a coalition of local kings in the Delta region. This group tried to limit Piye's influence in the north. Tefnakht even convinced King Nimlot of Hermopolis to leave his alliance with Piye. This defection created a crisis for the Kushite king.

In his 20th year of ruling, Piye responded to this crisis by assembling a large army. He marched into Middle and Lower Egypt to protect his interests. Piye viewed this military campaign as a holy war. He commanded his soldiers to perform ritual cleansing before they began battle. He also offered many sacrifices to the god Amun to ensure success. This campaign allowed him to demonstrate his control over Upper Egypt.

Piye achieved several major military victories during his invasion. He first won a decisive battle at the city of Herakleopolis. After that, he captured the city of Hermopolis following a siege that lasted five months. Many other kings were forced to submit to him, including Iuput II and Osorkon IV. Tefnakht eventually retreated to an island in the Delta. Tefnakht sent a letter admitting defeat, though he refused to personally pay homage to Piye.

Despite these victories, Piye's direct authority had specific limits. His control extended from Thebes northward to the western desert oases and Herakleopolis. However, the local kings in the Delta remained mostly independent. They were often free to act without his direct oversight. It was not until his successor, Shebitku, attacked Sais that this situation changed. Shebitku defeated Bakenranef to further solidify the dynasty's power.

Piye’s family played a massive role in the history of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty. He was the son of Kashta and Pebatjma. He had several wives, such as Abar, Tabiry, and Peksater. His children held many important positions in society. His son Shebitku succeeded him as king. His other son, Taharqa, also became a famous king. His daughter Shepenwepet II served as the God's Wife of Amun in Thebes.

When Piye died, he was buried with great honor at el-Kurru. His tomb was located near the large pyramid known as Ku.1. The burial chamber was cut directly into the bedrock. Inside, his body rested on a bed placed upon a stone bench. This style of burial was significant because it was the first time a pharaoh had been entombed this way in over 500 years. Even his four favorite horses were buried with him in the cemetery.