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Reign of Taharqa

Type Event Region Egypt Time c. -690–-664

From about 690 to 664 BCE, the Kushite pharaoh Taharqa ruled Egypt, one of the most prominent rulers of the 25th Dynasty.

Timeline

  1. c. -690–-680Karnak · Upper EgyptTaharqa succeeded his brother Shabataka and greatly expanded temples at Karnak, Thebes, and elsewhere, erecting giant granite sphinxes and obelisks to demonstrate Kushite pharaonic control of Egyptian religious orthodoxy.
  2. c. -701–-671Jerusalem · JudahTaharqa extended his influence into the Levant, supporting local anti-Assyrian forces and clashing with the Assyrian Empire. In 671 BCE the Assyrian king Esarhaddon first invaded Egypt, forcing Taharqa to retreat southward.
  3. c. -667–-664Memphis · Lower EgyptThe Assyrian army advanced south again; Taharqa lost control of Lower Egypt and withdrew to Nubia. After his nephew Tanwetamun's brief and failed counterattack, Kushite forces withdrew entirely from northern Egypt.

Sources