Psamtik I

Psamtik I expelled Assyrian military garrisons from Egypt, taking advantage of the weakening Assyrian Empire. He used Greek and Carian mercenaries to strengthen his army. This action ended Assyrian control over Egypt and established the Saite dynasty as the ruling power.

Psamtik I unified Egypt after the Assyrian withdrawal, ending the Third Intermediate Period. He established the 26th Saite dynasty and consolidated control over the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt. This reunification restored Egyptian independence and stability after centuries of foreign domination.

Psamtik I encouraged trade with Greece and the Levant, and promoted a revival of traditional Egyptian art and religion. He sponsored the construction of temples and the restoration of ancient monuments. This period, known as the Saite Renaissance, saw a resurgence of Egyptian culture.