Emperor Anko vs Necho II

Emperor Anko reigned for a short period from 453 to 456 AD. His reign is primarily remembered for his violent death, which underscores the instability and factionalism of the Yamato court during the 5th century.

Emperor Anko was assassinated by his step-son, Prince Mayowa, according to the Nihon Shoki. The assassination was reportedly motivated by a personal dispute, leading to a succession crisis and highlighting the violent power struggles within the Yamato court.

Necho II led an Egyptian army to Carchemish to support the Assyrians against the Babylonians. On the way, he defeated the Judean army of King Josiah at Megiddo. Josiah was killed in the battle. This victory allowed Necho to assert Egyptian control over the Levant for a short period.

Necho II's Egyptian forces were defeated by the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar II at Carchemish. The defeat ended Egyptian influence in the Levant and allowed Babylon to dominate the region. Necho retreated to Egypt and lost control of Syria and Palestine.

Necho II began construction of a canal connecting the Nile River to the Red Sea. The canal, which was later completed by Darius I, was approximately 85 kilometers long and allowed ships to travel between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. This project facilitated trade and military transport.

Necho II commissioned a Phoenician expedition to circumnavigate Africa. According to Herodotus, the expedition sailed from the Red Sea around the Cape of Good Hope and returned via the Pillars of Hercules (Gibraltar). This voyage, if historical, would have been the first circumnavigation of Africa.