What is taharqa?

Taharqa was a pharaoh of the 25th Dynasty of Egypt, also known as the Nubian Dynasty or the Kushite Dynasty. He ruled from approximately 690 to 664 BC. Taharqa was the son of Piye, the founder of the 25th Dynasty, and succeeded his brother Shabaka as pharaoh.

Taharqa is known for his military campaigns, especially against the Assyrians. He successfully invaded Egypt and reestablished the authority of the pharaohs in the region. He then launched military campaigns against the Assyrians in the Levant and even briefly captured the city of Memphis.

Taharqa was also known for his patronage of the arts and architecture. He commissioned several monuments, temples, and tombs throughout Egypt and Nubia, including the Kawa temple in Sudan and the Taharqa Gate in the Karnak temple complex in Luxor.

Taharqa’s reign marked a period of cultural and political revival in Egypt and Nubia. He was a devout follower of the Egyptian religion and sought to restore the traditional practices and customs of the ancient pharaohs.

Despite his military successes and cultural achievements, Taharqa was eventually defeated by the Assyrians, who were able to push back the Nubian forces and regain control of Egypt. Taharqa was forced to retreat to Nubia, where he continued to rule until his death.

Taharqa is remembered as one of the most powerful and influential pharaohs of the 25th Dynasty, and his reign is seen as a high point in the history of Nubian and Egyptian civilization.