We find Egypt in connection, for the first time in its history, with
foreign countries, otherwise than as conquering or conquered. Psametik
I. (653-610 B. C.) had in his pay a body of Greek mercenaries, and
sought to introduce the Greek language among his subjects. In jealousy
at this, the great military caste of Egypt emigrated into Ethiopia, and
left the king dependent on his foreign troops, with whom he successfully
warred in Syria and Phœnicia, and likewise succeeded in making Egypt
independent of Assyria.
Neku, son of Psametik (610-595 B. C.), was an enterprising prince, who
built fleets on the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, and strove to join
the Nile, by a canal, with the Red Sea. Africa was circumnavigated by
Phœnicians in his service, who sailed from the Arabian Gulf, and passed
round by the Straits of Gibraltar to the mouths of the Nile. He was the
king who defeated Josiah, king of Judah, sustaining afterward defeat
from Nebuchadnezzar II., king of Babylon, at Carchemish.
In 590 B. C., came Apries (the Pharaoh-Hophra of Scripture), who
conquered Sidon, and was an ally of Zedekiah, king of Judah, against
Nebuchadnezzar. After being repulsed with severe loss in an attack on
the Greek colony of Cyrene, west of Egypt, Apries was dethroned by
Aahmes II., who reigned from 570 to 526 B. C. His prosperous rule was
marked by a closer intercourse with the Greeks.