Persian Dynasty

Cambyses at the battle of Pelusium defeated Psammetichus III. and took po e ion of Egypt. He is said to have caused the destruction of many of the wonderful monuments of Egypt, and made himself particularly odious to the Egyptians by killing their new Apis bull. But another account shows that he restored the temple of Neith at Sais and performed the rites as other Egyptian kings. He was succeeded by Darius Hystaspes, who tried to improve the condition of the people and country. He established a coinage, completed the Red Sea to Mediterranean canal, and improved the system of taxation. Towards the end of his reign Egypt again made itself independent, but was again subdued by Xerxes I. His succe or, Artaxerxes I., had great trouble there, but finally conquered the Egyptians and their Greek mercenaries. He was followed by Xerxes II. and Darius II., under which latter king the Egyptians threw off the Persian yoke in 400 B.C.; but it was but for a short time. In 340, Nectanebo, the last native Egyptian ruler, fled before the army of Artaxerxes III., and under Arses and Darius III., Egypt remained in Persian hands until the coming of Alexander the Great.