Nectanebo II vs Zhizhi Chanyu

Nectanebo II suppressed a revolt in the Nile Delta led by local chieftains. The rebellion threatened his authority and required military action to restore order. This event highlighted the internal challenges facing Egypt during his reign.

Nectanebo II began the construction of the temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. The temple was completed during the Ptolemaic period. This project demonstrated his commitment to traditional Egyptian religion and architecture.

Nectanebo II's army was defeated by the Persian forces under Artaxerxes III at Pelusium. The Persians used a superior military strategy and siege tactics. This defeat led to the fall of Egypt to the Achaemenid Empire for the second time, ending native Egyptian rule.

After the Persian conquest, Nectanebo II fled to Nubia (Kush) where he continued to resist Persian rule. He may have maintained a court in exile and attempted to rally support for a counter-invasion. His flight marked the end of the last native Egyptian dynasty.

Zhizhi and his brother Huhanye fought for control of the Xiongnu confederation. Zhizhi defeated Huhanye initially, but Huhanye submitted to the Han dynasty, gaining their support. Zhizhi then moved west, splitting the Xiongnu.

After moving west, Zhizhi Chanyu attacked the Wusun people and allied with the Kangju. He established a base in the Talas River valley, raiding neighboring tribes and disrupting trade routes, which provoked Han intervention.

Zhizhi Chanyu, having moved west into Central Asia, was attacked by a Han Chinese expeditionary force led by Chen Tang and Gan Yanshou. His fortified city was stormed, and Zhizhi was killed. This battle marked the furthest westward expansion of Han military power and ended Zhizhi's threat to the Han.