Amasis (Persian general)

Amasis was a Persian general who served during the Second Persian invasion of Egypt in 480 BCE. He is primarily known for his role in the siege and subsequent occupation of Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, Amasis was the commander who oversaw the siege and secured the surrender of the city after the Egyptians, led by their king Psamtik X, initially put up a fierce resistance. Following the capture of Memphis, Amasis reportedly treated Psamtik X with calculated cruelty, aiming to subdue the Egyptian population and prevent future rebellions. This treatment included the confiscation of Psamtik's property and the humiliation of his family. While Herodotus is the primary source for information about Amasis and his actions, the historical accuracy of the details regarding his treatment of Psamtik X remains a subject of scholarly debate. Some historians suggest that Herodotus may have exaggerated the cruelty to emphasize the brutality of the Persian occupation. Little else is known about Amasis beyond his role in the conquest of Memphis.