525 BC

525 BC marks a significant year in ancient history, primarily due to the Persian conquest of Egypt by the Achaemenid Empire under Cambyses II. This conquest ended the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty of Egypt, also known as the Saite period, and ushered in Persian rule, establishing Egypt as a satrapy within the vast Persian empire.

The key event of the year was the Battle of Pelusium, a decisive victory for the Persians against the Egyptian forces led by Pharaoh Psamtik III. While historical accounts vary, the battle is generally understood to have been a brutal affair, with the Persians strategically using animals considered sacred to the Egyptians (particularly cats) to disrupt the Egyptian lines. Following the defeat at Pelusium, Memphis, the Egyptian capital, fell to the Persians, effectively ending Egyptian independence.

Psamtik III was captured and initially treated with some respect by Cambyses II, but ultimately he was executed after being accused of plotting rebellion.

The Persian conquest of Egypt had far-reaching consequences. It brought Egypt under the control of a major foreign power for the first time in centuries, disrupting its political and cultural landscape. The Persians imposed their own administrative structures and extracted resources from the region. However, they also preserved aspects of Egyptian culture and religion, albeit with Persian influence.

Beyond the Persian conquest of Egypt, detailed information about other major events in 525 BC is relatively scarce. Historical records from this period are often fragmented and incomplete, making a comprehensive understanding of global events in that specific year difficult.