Shabakty

Shabakty, also spelled Shabakti or Shebaktu, was the third king of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty of Egypt, ruling from approximately 714 to 705 BC. He was a Nubian pharaoh who originated from the Kingdom of Kush and conquered Egypt.

Shabakty is believed to have overthrown his predecessor, Piankhi's son Shabaka, although the circumstances surrounding this transition remain unclear. Some accounts suggest a peaceful succession, while others point to a more forceful seizure of power.

During his reign, Shabakty aimed to restore traditional Egyptian values and practices, often looking back to the Old Kingdom for inspiration. He is credited with commissioning the creation and preservation of religious texts, including the Shabaka Stone, a significant artifact containing a theological treatise on the creation myth of Memphis. The Shabaka Stone is an important source of information on ancient Egyptian religious beliefs.

Shabakty moved the capital of Egypt from Thebes to Memphis, further solidifying Nubian control and marking a distinct shift in the center of power. He also oversaw various building projects, including the restoration and expansion of temples throughout Egypt.

His reign was characterized by relative stability, but the growing power of the Assyrian Empire in Mesopotamia posed an increasing threat. This threat would ultimately lead to the decline of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty under his successors. Shabakty was succeeded by his nephew, Taharqa.