Nectanebo I

Nectanebo I (Egyptian: Nakhtnebef) founded the 30th Dynasty, the last dynasty of native Egyptian pharaohs. Ruling from the city of Sebennytos in the central Delta, his 18-year reign marked a period of resurgence, stability, and massive construction projects that restored Egypt's prestige after decades of struggle.

Throne Name	Kheperkare ("The Ka of Ra is Created")
Dynasty	30th Dynasty (Late Period)
Reign	c. 380–362 BCE (Approx. 18 Years)
Capital	Sebennytos (Samannud)

Nectanebo I is historically vital for successfully defending Egypt against a massive Persian invasion and for initiating a construction program that rivaled the New Kingdom. He proved that Egypt could still stand as a major power, restoring national confidence and leaving a legacy of monuments that would endure into the Greco-Roman era.

A military general from Sebennytos, Nectanebo seized power by overthrowing Nepherites II, the last king of the 29th Dynasty. He immediately consolidated his rule by securing the loyalty of the army and the priesthood. Recognizing the Persian threat, he reorganized the military, strengthened the Delta defenses with fortresses, and hired Greek mercenaries to supplement native troops.

In 373 BCE, the Persian King Artaxerxes II launched a massive invasion to retake Egypt. The Persian fleet managed to bypass the Pelusiac branch of the Nile and land near Mendes. However, indecision between the Persian commander Pharnabazus and the Greek general Iphicrates gave Nectanebo time to counterattack. He flooded the Delta fields and used his knowledge of the terrain to trap and defeat the invaders, securing Egypt's independence for another generation.

To fund his defense and building projects, Nectanebo I implemented tax reforms, including a 10% tax on imports from the Greek trading city of Naucratis (documented in the "Naucratis Stela"). He maintained alliances with Greek city-states like Athens and Sparta to keep the Persians in check, balancing military strength with economic pragmatism.

His reign saw a renaissance in art and culture. Sculptors produced works of exceptional quality in hard stones like basalt and granite, reviving the realistic and idealized styles of the Old and Middle Kingdoms. This "Sebennytic style" would heavily influence the art of the Ptolemaic period that followed.

Nectanebo I died peacefully in 362 BCE after a long and stable reign. He was succeeded by his son, Teos (Djedhor), who had served as his co-regent. Although his dynasty would eventually fall, Nectanebo I's reign stands as a testament to Egyptian resilience, proving that even in its final days, the pharaonic civilization could still produce greatness.

King	Role	Legacy
Hakor	The Defender	Naval Resistance
Nectanebo I	The Restorer	Major Monuments & Military Victory
Nectanebo II	The Last King	Final Defeat & Flight