Neferirkare Kakai vs Zhizhi Chanyu

Neferirkare Kakai oversaw a significant expansion of the Egyptian state bureaucracy, as evidenced by the large number of dated administrative papyri found at Abusir. These records detail the organization of temple estates, work crews, and the distribution of goods.

Neferirkare Kakai began building a pyramid at Abusir, originally planned as a step pyramid but later converted to a true pyramid. The pyramid was left unfinished at his death, with only the lower courses of stone completed, and the upper part was finished in mudbrick by his successors.

Neferirkare Kakai issued a decree granting land and revenues to the sun temple of Ra at Abusir. This act, recorded on the Palermo Stone, reflects the growing power of the priesthood of Ra during the Fifth 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.