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Kambudzhia IIAchaemenid king of Persia who ruled from 530 to 522 BC.
Country:
 Iran |
Content:
- Reign of Cambyses II: A Brief Biography
- Early Life and Administration
- Accession to the Throne and Conquest of Egypt
- Reign in Egypt
- Disastrous Campaigns and Domestic Unrest
- Character and Legacy
- Mysterious Death
Reign of Cambyses II: A Brief Biography
Born in 559 BC, Cambyses II was a Persian monarch who ascended to the throne in 530 BC. As the son of Cyrus the Great, he had witnessed the vast expansion of the Achaemenid Empire.
Early Life and Administration
During his father's reign, Cambyses II played a significant role in state affairs. In 538-537 BC, he served as the king of Babylonia, demonstrating his administrative abilities. This period provided him with valuable experience for his future kingship.
Accession to the Throne and Conquest of Egypt
In 530 BC, Cambyses II became king after the death of Cyrus the Great. His most famous achievement was the conquest of Egypt in 525 BC. With meticulous preparation, including alliances with Arabs and a formidable navy, Cambyses II led his armies across the desert and engaged the Egyptian forces at Pelusium. After a fierce battle, the Egyptians were defeated, and Cambyses II entered Memphis, the Egyptian capital.
Reign in Egypt
Cambyses II ruled Egypt for three years, leaving a mixed legacy. He ordered the execution of 2,000 Egyptian nobles but spared the life of Pharaoh Psamme-tichus III. He also plundered Egyptian treasures and enslaved skilled craftsmen for his palace construction projects.
Disastrous Campaigns and Domestic Unrest
Despite his success in Egypt, Cambyses II's other military campaigns faced setbacks. An attempt to conquer Nubia ended in failure, with his army suffering from hunger and cannibalism. Another expedition to the Oasis of Ammon was wiped out by a sandstorm. Meanwhile, rebellions broke out in Egypt, requiring Cambyses II's extended presence.
Character and Legacy
Cambyses II's character is a matter of debate. Greek historians describe him as a tyrannical and cruel ruler, while some scholars argue that their accounts are exaggerated. Nonetheless, it is clear that his reign was unpopular in Persia, leaving a negative legacy.
Mysterious Death
In 522 BC, news reached Cambyses II that his younger brother, Bardiya, had seized the throne. He set out to confront Bardiya but died on the way under mysterious circumstances. His death marked the end of his short and turbulent reign.
