Amasis II vs Ay

Amasis II seized power after leading a rebellion against Pharaoh Apries. The revolt began when Apries sent Egyptian troops to support the Greek colony of Cyrene, which resulted in a defeat. Amasis, a general, was proclaimed pharaoh by the rebel army. Apries was killed in a subsequent battle.

Amasis II established close diplomatic and trade relations with Greek city-states, particularly Athens and Cyrene. He granted Greek merchants a trading post at Naucratis in the Nile Delta. This alliance brought economic prosperity to Egypt and made Naucratis a major commercial center.

Amasis II undertook extensive building projects, including the expansion of the temple of Neith at Sais. He also constructed a large monolithic shrine and other monuments. These projects demonstrated the wealth of Egypt under his rule and promoted the Saite Renaissance.

Amasis II maintained a long period of peace and stability in Egypt, avoiding major military conflicts. He focused on internal development and diplomacy. This peace allowed Egypt to prosper economically and culturally, but also left it unprepared for the Persian threat that emerged after his death.

Ay ascended the throne after the death of Tutankhamun, whom he had served as vizier. As an elderly man with no direct royal lineage, his accession was unusual and likely involved political maneuvering. He married Tutankhamun's widow, Ankhesenamun, to legitimize his claim, though this marriage was brief.

Ay continued the restoration of traditional Egyptian religion begun under Tutankhamun, reversing the Amarna period's Atenist reforms. He restored temples, reinstated the priesthood of Amun, and issued decrees reaffirming the old gods. This policy helped stabilize the country after the religious upheaval of Akhenaten's reign.

Ay built his tomb (WV23) in the Western Valley of the Kings, a departure from the main valley. The tomb was decorated with scenes showing Ay as pharaoh, including his coronation and interactions with gods. It was later usurped by Horemheb, who erased Ay's name and images, reflecting the damnatio memoriae against him.

After Ay's death, his successor Horemheb systematically erased Ay's name and images from monuments, a practice known as damnatio memoriae. Horemheb claimed credit for Ay's achievements and portrayed himself as the direct successor of Tutankhamun, effectively writing Ay out of official history.