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Ab-MoseKing of Egypt of the 26th dynasty, reigning 570-526.
Country:
 Egypt |
Content:
- Ahmose II: The Rise and Reign of an Egyptian Monarch
- Confrontation with Apries and Inauguration as Pharaoh
- Reign and Policies
- Daily Routine and Character
- Prosperity and Reforms
- Alliance with Greeks
- Marriage and the Curse of Laodice
- Conquest of Cyprus and Conflict with Persia
Ahmose II: The Rise and Reign of an Egyptian Monarch
Early Life and Rise to PowerAhmose II, a notable figure of the 26th dynasty, ruled Egypt from 570 to 526 BC. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, Ahmose served as an aide to Pharaoh Apries. When Apries faced a rebellion, he dispatched Ahmose to quell the uprising with promises of rewards. However, as Ahmose addressed the soldiers, an Egyptian placed a helmet on his head, symbolically crowning him as the new pharaoh. Ahmose embraced this unexpected turn of events.
Confrontation with Apries and Inauguration as Pharaoh
Upon being proclaimed pharaoh, Ahmose prepared for a confrontation with Apries. Apries, informed of the rebellion, sent Patarbemis, a nobleman, to summon Ahmose alive. Ahmose, in a display of defiance, emitted a fart in front of Patarbemis and declared that Apries' anger was inconsequential. He also vowed to bring Apries and other rebels to justice.
The battle for Memphis followed, with Ahmose's forces emerging victorious despite being outnumbered. Apries was captured and executed. Ahmose, a humble citizen from the Sais district, thus ascended to the throne.
Reign and Policies
Initially, Ahmose faced skepticism from his subjects due to his common origin. However, he devised a clever strategy to gain their favor. He had a priceless washbasin, once used by himself and his guests, melted down and transformed into a statue of a god. This statue was placed in a prominent location in the city.
Ahmose informed his people of the statue's origin, reminding them that they had once considered it a vessel for waste. He drew a parallel between the statue's transformation and his own rise from a humble citizen to pharaoh. This analogy resonated with the Egyptians, earning him their respect.
Daily Routine and Character
Ahmose established a unique daily routine. He attended to affairs of state early in the morning and spent the afternoon feasting and engaging in banter with his companions. Ahmose, known for his fondness for alcohol and jesting, had once been a habitual thief due to financial struggles.
Prosperity and Reforms
Under Ahmose's rule, Egypt flourished. The Nile provided abundant resources, enabling the growth of numerous cities across the land. Ahmose also introduced a law requiring every Egyptian to declare their income annually. Failure to comply or provide evidence of legitimate means of sustenance resulted in the death penalty.
Alliance with Greeks
Ahmose was an ally of the Greeks. He granted the Greek community of Naukratis a place to reside. Additionally, he designated areas for visiting Greek merchants to erect altars and temples.
Marriage and the Curse of Laodice
Ahmose forged a political alliance with Cyrene by marrying the princess Laodice. Despite sharing a bed with her, Ahmose failed to consummate their marriage. After repeated attempts, he accused Laodice of witchcraft. Despite her denials, Ahmose threatened to execute her. Laodice made a vow to Aphrodite, promising to dedicate a statue to the goddess if Ahmose consummated their union. The vow worked, and Ahmose and Laodice became intimate. Ahmose honored their agreement, and the statue was sent to Cyrene.
Conquest of Cyprus and Conflict with Persia
Ahmose extended his empire by conquering Cyprus, imposing tribute on its inhabitants. In his later years, he faced the wrath of Persian king Cambyses. Cambyses' advisor, once a physician in Egypt who held animosity towards Ahmose, suggested that the Persian ruler demand Ahmose's daughter in marriage. Ahmose, fearing Persian domination, devised a plan. He sent Apries' beautiful daughter, Nitetis, to Persia in place of his own.
Cambyses, angered by the deception, declared war on Egypt. Ahmose, however, passed away before the Persian invasion. Cambyses exhumed Ahmose's mummy, mutilated it, and ordered its incineration.
