Siamun vs Tantamani

Siamun undertook building projects at Tanis, including additions to the temple of Amun. He erected a large pylon and added reliefs depicting his military victories, reinforcing the city's role as the dynasty's capital.

Siamun led a military campaign into Palestine, attacking the Philistine city of Gezer. The campaign resulted in Egyptian control over the city, which Siamun later gave as a dowry to his daughter upon her marriage to King Solomon of Israel.

Siamun formed an alliance with King Solomon of Israel, sealed by the marriage of his daughter to Solomon. This diplomatic move strengthened Egypt's position in the region and is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.

Tantamani became pharaoh of the 25th Dynasty, succeeding his uncle Taharqa. He inherited a kingdom reduced to Nubia after the Assyrian conquest of Egypt, but he aimed to reconquer the Nile Valley.

Tantamani led a military campaign north from Nubia, recapturing Thebes and Memphis from the Assyrian vassals. He briefly restored Kushite control over Upper and Lower Egypt, executing the Assyrian-appointed rulers.

In response to Tantamani's reconquest, the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal invaded Egypt, defeated Tantamani's forces, and sacked Thebes, looting its temples and treasures. This event marked the end of Kushite rule in Egypt.

After the sack of Thebes, Tantamani retreated to Nubia, where he continued to rule as king of Kush until his death. He never again attempted to reconquer Egypt, and the 25th Dynasty ended with him.