Q: When did Cambyses invade Egypt and why?

A: Around 525 BCE to consolidate Persian control over the region after the death of Pharaoh Amasis.

Q: How did Cambyses gain control of Egypt?

A: He entered with an army, claiming the throne for himself after Amasis's death. Some sources claim Amasis had wronged Cambyses, other suggest it was a natural progression of expansion.

Q: What were some significant events during Cambyses' conquest of Egypt?

A: Notable events included capturing the city of Memphis and forcing Egyptian priests to declare him pharaoh. However, his rule was met with resistance from Egyptians who resented Persian occupation.

Q: How did Cambyses' reign in Egypt end?

A: After a short but tumultuous rule, he died suddenly around 522 BCE. Cambyses supposedly received a wound to the thigh, which soon became gangrenous, killing him three weeks later.

Q: How did Cambyses II view Egyptian culture during his conquest?

A: According to Udjahorresnet, an Egyptian priest who served under Cambyses, the Persian king respected and supported local customs and religions. He allowed Egyptians to continue practicing their traditional beliefs and even re-established some worship practices that had been suppressed earlier in his reign.

Q: How did Cambyses ensure Egyptian priests recognized his rule?

A: In order to gain acceptance from the Egyptian people Cambyes had the priests declare him as pharaoh, thus acknowledging and legitimizing his rule according to their traditions.

Q: Were there any instances of resistance or resentment towards Cambyses' rule in Egypt?

A: Yes, despite his efforts to respect Egyptian culture and gain acceptance through declarations by priests, there were groups within Egypt who continued to resist Persian occupation and rule. There were several revolts during the decades following his conquest.

Q: How did Herodotus' account of Cambyses differ from that of Udjahorresnet?

A: According to Herodotus, he was a cruel and incompetent ruler who showed disrespect for Egyptian culture and gods. This portrayal contrasts with the positive depiction provided by Udjahorresnet, who emphasized the king's support of local customs and religions.

Q: What happened after Cambyses got injured?

A: After being injured he fell ill and his condition worsened over time. He summoned Persian nobles to inform them of his actions against Smerdis and asked them to remove the Magus from power before he died.

Q: Why didn't the Persian nobles believe Cambyes' story about Smerdis?

A: They thought he was inventing the story as an excuse for preventing his brother from taking command of the empire after his death. They believed that it would be in Cambyses' interest to discredit and remove any potential rivals, even if it meant fabricating a tale about murdering Smerdis.