Significant Aspects of Ancient and Mediæval Civilization #262470

Empire the constant warfare with the Hittites for su premacy in Syria weakened the power of the Theban kings and the glory of the kingdom declined. The centre of power returned to the Delta and the new city of Sais became the capital. Foreign conquests were lost, and the country, driven back to its ancient limits, became subject first to Ethiopia and then to Assyria. A temporary revival of prosperity was brought about by Psametichus, in the middle of the seventh century B. C., through the development of foreign commerce and the employment of foreign mercenaries. Although of short duration and of little importance in itself, this last period of Egyptian independence is probably the period of the most important Egyptian influence upon Europe. After that time the country became the prey of one foreign conqueror after another, and at last was annexed by the Romans to their all-powerful Emplre.