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NehoSon of Psammetichus I, second pharaoh of the XXVI dynasty (611-595 BC).
Country:
 Egypt |
Content:
- Necho II: Reign and Policies
- Foreign Policy and Alliances
- Campaigns and Conquests
- Exploration and Infrastructure
Necho II: Reign and Policies
Necho II, also known as Necho, was the second pharaoh of the 26th Dynasty (611-595 BCE). The son of Psammetichus I, Necho continued his father's policy of favoring Greek merchants. Under his rule, the Greek colony of Naucratis in the Delta flourished and became a major trade hub.
Foreign Policy and Alliances
Necho's foreign policy focused on Assyria, which was facing a period of crisis. Necho preferred a weak Assyria to a strong Babylonia. In 610 BCE, Egyptian forces marched into Assyria, capturing Harran and Carchemish in alliance with the Assyrians. However, the Babylonian prince Nebuchadnezzar II defeated them near Carchemish, causing Necho to withdraw his army.
Campaigns and Conquests
In 608 BCE, Necho launched a campaign into Palestine and Syria. At Megiddo, his forces defeated the army of the Judean king Josiah, who was mortally wounded. Necho appointed Jehoahaz, Josiah's brother, as the new king of Judah and imposed a heavy tribute on the kingdom. Necho controlled Palestine and much of Syria for three years before being forced out by Nebuchadnezzar II in 605 BCE.
Exploration and Infrastructure
Under Necho's patronage, Phoenician sailors undertook a three-year voyage around Africa. The purpose of this expedition remains a mystery. Additionally, Necho commissioned the construction of a canal connecting the Nile River to the Red Sea, serving both commercial and military purposes.
