In 404 BC Egypt, one of the more rebellious provinces of the Achaemenid Empire, recovered its independence and was then led by a native Pharaoh for the next 60 years or so, until Artaxerxes III recaptured the country after the Battle of Pelusium in 343 BC.
How could Egypt keep itself as an independent kingdom? The country was governed by three dynasties during the 404-343 BC period, which means it suffered from political instability. Would keeping one of these dynasties from being overthrown help?
The penultimate Pharaoh, Teos, attempted to launch an invasion of Phoenicia and Palestine during his short rule (361-359), but was deposed because of the necessity to raise taxes to finance said expedition, which proved to be an unpopular move. Could that invasion have been successful?
Finally, could Nectanebo II, the last Pharaoh, defeat Artaxerxes at Pelusium? Alexander began his conquest of Persia only eight years later, so it's a matter of how long Egypt could last until then.
How could Egypt keep itself as an independent kingdom? The country was governed by three dynasties during the 404-343 BC period, which means it suffered from political instability. Would keeping one of these dynasties from being overthrown help?
The penultimate Pharaoh, Teos, attempted to launch an invasion of Phoenicia and Palestine during his short rule (361-359), but was deposed because of the necessity to raise taxes to finance said expedition, which proved to be an unpopular move. Could that invasion have been successful?
Finally, could Nectanebo II, the last Pharaoh, defeat Artaxerxes at Pelusium? Alexander began his conquest of Persia only eight years later, so it's a matter of how long Egypt could last until then.