Tantamani vs Tiberius II

Tantamani became pharaoh of the 25th Dynasty, succeeding his uncle Taharqa. He inherited a kingdom reduced to Nubia after the Assyrian conquest of Egypt, but he aimed to reconquer the Nile Valley.

Tantamani led a military campaign north from Nubia, recapturing Thebes and Memphis from the Assyrian vassals. He briefly restored Kushite control over Upper and Lower Egypt, executing the Assyrian-appointed rulers.

In response to Tantamani's reconquest, the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal invaded Egypt, defeated Tantamani's forces, and sacked Thebes, looting its temples and treasures. This event marked the end of Kushite rule in Egypt.

After the sack of Thebes, Tantamani retreated to Nubia, where he continued to rule as king of Kush until his death. He never again attempted to reconquer Egypt, and the 25th Dynasty ended with him.

Emperor Justin II, incapacitated by madness, appointed Tiberius as Caesar and regent. Tiberius effectively ruled the empire while Justin II remained nominal emperor, stabilizing the government after a period of crisis.

Tiberius II continued the war against the Sassanid Persians, achieving some successes in Armenia and Mesopotamia. However, the conflict remained inconclusive and drained the empire's resources.

Upon the death of Justin II, Tiberius II Constantine became the sole emperor. His accession was welcomed by the populace due to his reputation for generosity and competent administration.

Upon becoming emperor, Tiberius II distributed a large portion of the imperial treasury to the poor and the army. This act of generosity earned him great popularity but depleted the state's financial reserves.