Nepherites I

Nepherites I reigned from 398 BC to 393 BC, with dates accurate within a year. After overthrowing Amyrtaeus of Sais, he moved the political capital eastward to his native city of Mendes in the Nile Delta. His accession inaugurated the Twenty-ninth Dynasty, which was committed to keeping Egypt free from Persian reconquest.

During his five-year reign, Nepherites consolidated his authority by renewing diplomatic ties with the Greek world, including Sparta. He was an active patron of the temples, commissioning additions to the precinct of Amun at Karnak and carrying out works at his home city of Mendes. He was buried in a royal tomb within the temple complex at Mendes, where fragments of his limestone burial chamber have been discovered. Historians know of his reign through temple blocks, the Demotic Chronicle, and Greek historical writings. He was succeeded by Psammuthes after a disputed succession.

Monuments

• Mendes royal tomb
• Karnak temple additions

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Try the name on the Cartouche Desk, or see where the reign falls on the timeline.