Contents
Piye
The Kushite king whose Egyptian campaign helped establish the Twenty-fifth Dynasty.
Victory stela · Temple of Amun
- Born
- Unknown
- Birthplace
- Kush
More people
Piye
Piye ruled from Napata in what is now Sudan during the eighth century BCE. His campaign north brought Egyptian rulers under his authority and became a foundation for Kushite rule in Egypt.
Early life
Royal family
Was a son of the Kushite ruler Kashta and Queen Pebatjma.
Nubian kingdom
Inherited a kingdom centered on Napata, south of Egypt.
Career
- 8th century BCE
Kingship
Ruled Kush from Napata.
- Regnal year 20
Northern campaign
Defeated a coalition of Egyptian rulers and captured Memphis.
- After the campaign
Return to Kush
Returned south while local Egyptian rulers remained in place.
Surviving legacy
Victory stela
Recorded his Egyptian campaign in a royal inscription.
Temple of Amun
Expanded the sanctuary at Jebel Barkal.
El-Kurru burial
Was buried in the royal cemetery in Nubia.
Beyond the throne
Devotion
His royal account emphasizes rituals and devotion to Amun.
Horses
Horses were buried near his tomb, reflecting their place in Kushite royal culture.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Victory Stela translation ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.