Amasis II

Amasis II (569–525 B.C.), Egyptian pharaoh of the 26th dynasty. During his long reign, he developed strong ties with Greece, using mercenaries and maintaining relations with various Greek states. Egypt prospered under his enlightened rule and skilled diplomacy. He thwarted an invasion by Nebuchadnezzar, added Cyprus to his kingdom, and through marriage became very influential in Cyrene. He was the last great Egyptian ruler before the Persian conquest, which occurred soon after his death. Amasis (or Ahmose) is also the name of the lesser-known pharaoh (c. 1580–87 B.C.) who rid Egypt of the Hyksos conquerors.