Period of revival
The Late Period saw a revival of ancient Egyptian civilisation, especially in art and architecture, but Egypt also suffered a series of invasions by Assyrians, Persians and finally Macedonians. The period falls into four phases: the Saite Dynasty (26th Dynasty), the First Persian Occupation (27th and 28th Dynasties), a period of independence (29th and 30th Dynasties) and the Second Persian Occupation (31st Dynasty).
Alexander the Great drove out the Persians and was recognised as the son of Amun at the Oracle Temple in Siwa. His successors ended native rule, and for centuries afterwards Egypt was part of the Ptolemaic and later the Roman Empire.
Information card
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Dynasty 26 |
Dynasty 27 |
Dynasty 28 |
Dynasty 29 |
Dynasty 30 |
Dynasty 31 |
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Amyrtaeus |
Nefaarud I |
Artaxerxes III |
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Nekau |
Darius I |
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Hakor |
Djedhor |
Arses |
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Psmatik II |
Xerxes |
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Darius III |
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Wahibre |
Artaxerxes I |
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Darius II |
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Psmatik III |
Artaxerxes II |
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Frequently asked questions
What happened in the Late Period?
It was a time of revival in art and architecture, interrupted by Assyrian and Persian invasions and ending with the conquest of Alexander the Great.
Which dynasties belong to the Late Period?
Dynasties 26 to 31: the Saite Dynasty (26th), the First Persian Occupation (27th–28th), a period of independence (29th–30th) and the Second Persian Occupation (31st).
What is Siwa's link to Alexander the Great?
Alexander was recognised as the son of Amun at the Oracle Temple in Siwa Oasis, which visitors can still see today.
What came after the Late Period?
Alexander's successors founded the Ptolemaic dynasty, and Egypt later became part of the Roman Empire.
