Piye

The Full Profile

Piye, King of Kush & Founder of Egypt's 25th Dynasty, unified Kush and Egypt under Nubian rule and established a dynasty that reshaped northeastern Africa. Piye, ruler of Kush at Napata, campaigned north into Egypt during a period of political fragmentation. His victory, recorded on the Victory Stela, helped establish the Kushite 25th Dynasty. His reign demonstrates the political and military power of ancient Nubia and the deep cultural exchange between the Nile Valley kingdoms. His Victory Stela at Jebel Barkal remains one of the most detailed royal inscriptions of the ancient world, recording not just battles but his demands for piety and mercy toward surrendering foes; the dynasty he founded — the 'Black Pharaohs' — ruled Egypt for most of the following century.