260 NEBUCHADNEZZAR ATTEMPTS TO INVADE EGYPT. "king of Egypt into the hand of his enemies, and into the "hand of them that seek his life; as I gave Zedekiah king of "Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon "his enemy, and that sought his life" (Jeremiah xliv, 29-30). Pharaoh Hophra was dethroned by his own soldiers, who made their general Aāḥmes (Amāsis II) king in his stead. Among monuments bearing his name are a limestone stele, on which is sculptured the figure of the king (Bay 22, No. 804), and a portion of a statue of Pefa-Net, the king's chief physician (Central Saloon, No. 805). Amāsis II treated his former master with kindness, but, as Hophra persisted in raiding the country, B.C. 572. further fighting ensued. In the end, Hophra was slain by his own soldiers on board his boat. During the reign of Amāsis II Nebuchadnezzar II attempted to invade Egypt, with what success is unknown. During this long reign of about 44 years the country in general enjoyed peace and prosperity, and the quarries were re-opened and many temples restored; remains of his building activity are visible on the sites of all the great sanctuaries of Egypt. He was generous patron of the Greeks, and granted them lands and many privileges. Among the monuments of his reign are: Two granite tablets for offerings, or altars (Bay 16, No. 806; Bay 17, No. 807); a stele, dated in his eighth year, recording the dedication of a building to Neith, goddess of Saïs (Bay 24, No. 808); a weight inscribed with his prenomen (Wallcase 180, Fourth Egyptian Room), and handles of two sistra (Wall-case 187, same room). a Amasis II married Thent-kheta, by whom he became the father of Psammetichus III. He was also the official husband of the famous high-priestess of Amen, Änkhnes-neferȧb-Rā, the daughter of Psammetichus II and the Lady Takhauath, and the adopted daughter of Nit-Aqert (Nitokris), high priestess of Amen. The magnificent sarcophagus in the Southern Egyptian Gallery was made for her (Bay 24, No. 811). It is undoubtedly one of the finest monuments of the XXVIth dynasty in the British Museum. (See Plates Queen Ankhnes-neferȧb-Ra, daughter of Psammetichus II and Queen Thakhauath, wearing the head-dress of Isis-Hathor. From the cover of the sarcophagus of the queen. [Southern Egyptian Gallery, Bay 24, No. 811.] About B.C. 600. |