Cambyses Conquers Egypt

The son of Cyrus prepared the campaign thoroughly: he made terms with the Arab tribes for water in the desert, and won over the Greek mercenaries and the commander of the Egyptian fleet. The battle of Pelusium at the edge of the delta decided the matter; Psamtik III was captured, Memphis fell. Cambyses took the title of pharaoh and was recognised by the priests, but Greek tales later painted him a madman who mocked the Egyptian gods. Persian rule lasted more than a century, with revolts and interruptions; from this era survive the papyri of the Judean community at Elephantine.